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A FEW FACTS ABOUT 

MEXICO 





President of the United States of Mexico 



A Few Facts 
About Mexico 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

DECEIVED 

OCT 14 1901 

DIVISION OF DOCUMENTS. 



I90J 

Published by 

The National Commission from the United States of Mexico 

to the 

Pan-American Exposition 

BUFFALO, N. Y, 



OCT 14 1901 
D.ofD, 




The White-Evans-Penfold Company 

Nos. 302 and 304 Main Street 

, In Buffalo, New York 



l'{\- 



Contents 



I Historical Synopsis, ♦ . ♦ . * ♦ 13 

II Geographical Information, ♦ * . . . 21 

III The Constitution, ♦,,♦,.. 23 

IV The Federal Administration, . ♦ ♦ . 3 J 
V President Diaz and His Cabinet, . , . . 37 

VI The Federal District,- the States, and the Territories, 49 

VII Mineral Resources, ♦ . ♦ . ♦ ♦ 59 

VIII Agricuhure, ♦♦...♦♦. 65 

IX Manufactures, ♦ . . ♦ ♦ » ♦ 7 J 

X Commerce and Finance, , . . ♦ . 77 

XI Means of Communication, , . . . ♦ 85 

XII Public Instruction — Religion — Arts and Sciences — 

Army and Navy, ...... 91 

XIII Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners, . ♦ 97 

XIV Mexico at Other Expositions, . . . . J07 

XV Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition, i . 109 

Appendix — Comments of the Press, etc. . . 115 



Illustrations 



General Porfirio Diaz, 


* « 


Frontispiece 


Liberty, 


♦ ♦ 


7 


The Mexican Commission, 


. 


n 


Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, ♦ 


♦ ♦ 


15 


Benito Juarez, . . , . ♦ 




19 


Hon. Ignacio Mariscal, 




25 


Gen. Manuel Gonzalez Cosio, 




29 


Hon. Justino Fernandez, 




33 


Hon. Leandro Fernandez, . 




39 


Gen. Francisco Z. Mena, 




43 


Hon. Jose Ives Limantour, 




47 


Gen. Bernardo Reyes, 




51 


The Mexican Government Building, . 




57 


Map Plan of the Pan-American Exposition, 


63 


General View Exterior of Agriculture 


Exhibit, . 


69 


Mines and Liberal Arts Exhibit, 


. 


75 


Front View of Manufactures Exhibit, 


: 


8J 


Liberal Arts Exhibit, .... 


. 


87 


Cactus Exhibit, ..... 


. ♦ 


95 


Forestry Exhibit, .... 


♦ ♦ 


. 103 


General View of Ethnology Exhibit, . 


. * t 


. nt 



/" 

~^!^ 




./ 







A FEW FACTS ABOUT 

MEXICO 




S thousands of visitors have kindly shown 
an interest in the exhibits presented by the 
Mexican Government at the Pan-American 
Exposition of Buffalo, it has been deemed appropriate 
to gather in these short pages the most recent and 
reliable information concerning that Republic, which, 
under the progressive administration of President 
Porfirio Diaz, has aroused the attention of the traveler 
and of the investor, and has drawn such favorable 
comments from impartial writers in this country. 

It is not intended to give full and detailed infor- 
mation herein, as the space at our disposal forbids it; 
but, whatever is set forth in this little pamphlet, briefly 
though it may be, shall be as accurate as possible, and 
has been compiled from the most reliable and the latest 
official sources. 

Buffalot September, J 90 1. 



1. Albino R. Nuncio 

2. Maximiliano M. Chabert 

3. Juan de D. Fleury 

4. Carlos Sellerier 

5. Rosendo Sandoval 

6. Enrique H. Garibay 

7. Alberto McDowell 

8. Jesus M. Nuncio 

9. Lauro Viadas 

10. Antonio M. Maya 



The numbers refer to the illustration opposite 



Historical Synopsis 



The early history of Mexico, like that of most countries, com- 
prises much that is fabulous. The true historical starting point may 
be found in the annals of the Toltecs who inhabited vast areas of land 
in the northern part of the Continent, but owing- to civil commotions 
emigrated from their country in the year 544. They settled first in 
one place and then in another, establishing larg-e cities, until in 661 
they founded their great kingdom, whose capital was located on the 
site of the modern City of Tula. That kingdom was ocerthrown in 
1116. Thereupon, the Chichimecas made their appearance and occu- 
pied the country abandoned by the Toltecs. Other tribes afterwards 
came from the north, and established themselves in various portions 
of the Valley of Mexico. 

The Aztecs were the last to reach the valley. After many years 
of servitude and privations, tiiej finally settled on the islands near the 
western borders of Lake Texcoco. There, according to an old legend, 
they found an eagle upon a cactus and holding a snake in its beak, 
and thereupon established their capital called Tenochtitlan, upon the 
site of the present City of Mexico. The monarchy of the Aztecs in- 
creased in importance and power from the year 1376, when the first 
king was elected, until it was finally conquered by the Spaniards un- 
der Hernan Cortez. 

The latter landed in Veracruz on April 21st, 1519. His conquest 
of the country and the stubborn resistance of the Aztecs are subjects 
which have been the theme of the historian and the poet, the siege of 
the City of Mexico being the final and culminating scene of that his- 
torical drama. The capital was captured on August 13, 1521, when the 
conqueror Cortez became governor and captain-general of the coun- 
try, which was called New Spain. 

After being governed by five governors and two councils, the rule 
of the 'Spanish viceroys commenced. There were sixty-two viceroys, 
some of whom were men of great administrative ability, but others 
permitted many abuses and fostered oppressive measures. Finally, 
under the leadership of the great patriot, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, 
independence was proclaimed at the Village of D-olores, State of 
Guanajuato, on September 16, 1810. Hidalgo assisted by Allende, 
Aldama, and Abasolo, three Mexican officers, gathered a large number 
of Indians and peasants, and being joined by two or three regiments 
of the militia, he captured successively the important cities of Celaya, 
Guanajuato, Valladolid, and Toluca. As he was not a great military 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

leader and had only an undisciplined arnn-, he was not able to take 
the C'it3' of Mexico, even after having obtained a new victory over the 
SjDaniards at Monte de las Cruces. The viceroy thereupon concen- 
trated his army and sent it under the order of General Calleja, who 
defeated the leader of the Kepublicans and patriots at Aculco, and 
then at Puente de Calderon. Hidalg-o was finally taken prisoner at 
Acatita de Bajan on May 21, ISll, and was shot at the City of Chi- 
huahua on July 31, ISll. 

The great work of Hidalgo was then carried on by other noble 
leaders. Among- whom Morelos, a parish priest of the State of 
Michoacan, stands prominent. He defeated the Spanish forces in 
several encounters and captured various cities. One of his g-reat feats 
was the defense oi the City of Cnautla, where he resisted with 3,000 
men the 12,000 Spanish soldiers sent against him. He finally broke 
the lines of the enemy and succeeded in retreating with the rest of 
his army. He afterwards captured Orizaba, Tehuacan, Oaxaca, and 
Acapulco. 

]\lorelos was the first to organize a regular government and to 
convene a Federal Congress. The latter met at Chilpancingo on 
September 14, 1812, and issued a declaration of independence on the 
6th of the succeeding November. It also framed a provisional consti- 
tution and established an executive council of three members. More- 
los began to meet reverses in 1813 and was finally captured; he was 
shot at the town of Ecatepec, near the City of Mexico, on December 
22, 1815. 

Other patriots continued the fight for freedom, among them we 
can mention Bravo, Mina, and Guerrero. The latter kept alive the 
cause of independence until it was successful. The final overthrow of 
the Spaniards was accomplished by General Iturbide, of the regular 
armj^ joining the patriots. The combined and triumphant forces 
entered the City of Mexico on September 21, 1821. Thereupon 
a regency of three members was established, of which Iturbide was 
appointed President. Soon after, under military pressure, he was de- 
clared Emperor and on Juh' 21, 1S22, he was crowned as such at the 
Cathedral of the City of Mexico. 

But the Mexican patriots could not brook the establishment of an 
Empire, and Iturbide was obliged to send in his resignation, and left 
the country in the month of May, 1823. Thinking that he could again 
resume power, he returned to the Republic, but was arrested and 
finally shot at Padilla, July 19, 1824. In the same year a Federal Con- 
stitution was established, and General Guadalupe Victoria became the 
first President of the Federation. The Federal Republic lasted until 
1835, when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became President of 
a Central Republic under a new constitution. The Liberal and Conserva- 
tive parties continued to struggle for the supremacy of the adminis- 
tration. From 1822 to 1845 there was a series of military mutinies 
and civil war predominated during most of that period, while in 1847 




J^'yy\jfnyCCCC, 

Father of the Independence of the United States of Mexico^ 



Historical Synopsis 

the wai' with the United States took place, which ended by the sign- 
ing* of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. 

Santa Anna's last administration began on April 1, 1853. In order 
to obtain means to meet the expenses of his government, he sold to 
the United States the Mesilla Valley lands. He also governed the 
country in a most despotic manner. It was then that the Liberal 
leaders proclaimed the plan of Ayutla, proposing to restore a consti- 
tutional government. The Ayutla revolution was successful, and 
General Juan Alvarez was named President and assumed office on 
October 4, 1855, but soon after resigned, and General Comonfort be- 
came President ad interim. 

A Constitutional Congress v^as convened, and after mature de- 
liberation issued a Constitution on the 5th of February, 1857, which is 
still in force throiughout the Kepublic. The Constitution having been 
approved by the people, General Comonfort was elected President and 
took office on December 11, 1857, but guided by evil advisors and claim- 
ing that the Constitution was impracticable, he dissolved the Con- 
gress that had just convened and declared himself Dictator. Comon- 
fort was then betrayed by the Church party, left the country, and the 
administration of the Republic remained in the hands of the great 
patriot Benito Juarez. Thereupon followed the final and decisive 
struggle between the Liberal and Conservative parties, styled in 
Mexican history as "War of Eeform". During that great contest, 
President Juarez issued his celebrated reform laws, which destroyed 
the political power theretofore exercised by the clergy. The Liberal 
party was successful in that war, but its opponents did not give up the 
struggle, and sought in E^urope the intervention of foreign powers. 
England, Spain, and France formed a coalition in 1861 and sent their 
armies to Mexico. The Spanish and English forces soon withdrew from 
the country, but the French army pushed towards the City of Mexico, 
and was signally defeated at Puebla on May 5, 1862. Ee-enforcements 
having' arrived, the War of the French Intervention, so called, was 
carried on in all its fierceness, and the Archduke Maximilian being 
induced to assume the title of Emperor, finally paid the penalty of 
his folly by being executed at Queretaro on June 19, 1867. In July of 
the same year, President Juarez returned triumphant to the City of 
Mexico, was re-elected President thereafter, and remained as chief 
executive of the nation up to the time of his death, July 18, 1872. He 
was succeeded by Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, as President ad interim, 
and then as Constitutional President. In 1876 he was a candidate for 
re-election, but a popular revolutionary movement having been in- 
augurated at Tuxtepec, it was successfully terminated by the battle 
of Tecoac, which took place on November 6, 1876; General Diaz there- 
upon entered the City of Mexico, and in April, 1877, was elected Consti- 
tutional President of the Republic. He was succeeded by General Man- 
uel Gonzalez in 1880. Four years afterwards General Porfirio Diaz 
was re-elected and since then, through continued, and we may say 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

unanimous re-elections, has remained at the head of the administra- 
tion. During' the several terms he has filled the Presidency, he has 
firmly established peace, encouraged the material advancement of the 
country, adopted a sound financial policy and eradicated all causes 
which could bring about political dissensions and pertubation of 
peace. 




Benito Juntez 



II 
Geographical Information 

Tiie Eepublic of Mexico, or the Mexican United States, as the 
country is officially styled, is situated between 14° 30' 43" and 32° 32' 
42" north latitude, and between 86° 46' 8" and 107° 7' 31" west long- 
itude of the meridian of Greenwich. It is bounded on the north by 
the United States of America; on the east by the Gulf of Mexico and 
the Caribbean Sea; on the south by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and 
Uelize; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The boundary line wMth 
the United States was established by the treaties of February 2, 1848, 
and December 30, 1853, and begins at the mouth of the Rio Grande 
and terminates in a point on the Pacific Ocean, distant one marine 
league due south of the southernmost point of the Bay of San Dieg*o; 
the whole extent of this boundary line being 1,833 miles. The bound- 
ary line with Guatemala was fixed by the treaties of September 27, 
1882, and April 1, 1895, and its length is considered to be 642 miles. 
The boiindary line betweeen Mexico and Belize was defined by a treaty 
signed July 8, 1893, runs from the mouth of the Strait of Bocalarchica 
and terminates at the boimdary between Mexico and Guatemala. 

The total area of the Mexican Eepublic is 767,326 Eng-lish squ^are 
miles, which includes 1,471 square miles of islands near the coasts of 
the Eepublic. 

The widest portion of Mexico is its northern extremity and the 
narrowest point is the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which is about 100 
miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. The eastern coast of 
the Eepublic, washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, 
comprises about 1,737 miles, whilst its western coast along the Pacific 
Ocean is about 4,574 miles in length. 

The Eepublic presents a succession of terraces rising from the 
eastern and western coasts which culminate in a great central plateau 
running in a northerly and southeasterly direction, and having eleva- 
tions w^hich vary from 4000 to 8000 feet above the level of the sea. 
There are two great ranges which cross the Eepublic, nearly par- 
allel to the coast along the Gulf of Mexico and along the Pacific 
Ocean, and which have various branches. Beside these there are other 
mountain ranges, the most noticeable of which is that of Anahuac, 
which surrounds the Valley of Mexico and of Puebla. There are sev- 
eral volcanoes, among which we may mention the well known Popo- 
catepetl and Ixtachihuatl in the Valley of Mexico, being 17,450 and 
16,076 feet, respectively, in height; the Orizaba, 17,362 feet; the Toluoa, 
15,019 feet: the Colima, 14,3e3 feet; and the Ajusto, 13,628 feet. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

The Gulf of ^Mexico, the Gulf of California, aud the Gulf of Tehuau- 
tepec, the first mentioned being- on the Eastern coast, and the other 
two along the Western coast, are considered among- the larg-est in 
both Continents. 

The principal bays are those of Guaymas, Santa Barbara, Tojiolo- 
bampo, La Paz, and Muleje, in the Gulf of Lower California; Amejas, 
Mag-dalena. San Quintin, and San Bias, on the Pacific Ocean. 

The principal islands near the coast of Mexico are: El Carmen, a 
very large one in the Gulf of Mexico; San Juan de Ulua and Sacrificios 
near A'eracruz; Guadalupe at a great distance from the coast of 
Lower California; Tres Marias, a group of three islands near the 
same coast; The Eevillagigedo Islands and Alcatraz Island on the 
west coast of Colima and Michoacan. 

The principal rivers of the Eepublic ai-e the Eio Grande, or Eio 
Bravo del Norte, as it is called in Mexico, being- about 1,500 miles long; 
the Lerma, or Santiago, 540 miles in length; the Balsas, or Mescala, 
Fuerte, 340 miles; the Usumacinta, 330 miles; and others like the 
Panuco and Papaloapan of sufficient importance. 

Among the lakes, the most extensive is the Chapala, which meas- 
ui-es eig'hty miles in leng'th by thirty in breadth. In the Valley of 
Mexico there are seven lakes. There are other lakes of importance 
in various states of the Eepublic, such as Catemaco in Veracruz, Cariel 
and Carpintero in Tamaulipas, Encantado in Tabasco, Bacalor in Yu- 
catan, Cuitzeo and Patzcuaro in Michoacan, Yuriria in Guanajiia+o, 
and Meztitlan in Hidalgo. 

Owing to its geographical position, Mexico possesses a great diver- 
sity of climate. The heat of the torrid zone is felt along the coast 
and in the valleys which are below 3,000 feet of sea level. Lands 
which lie in a region between 3,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level enjoy 
a temperate climate, while those in higher altitude than 7,000 feet 
may be considered as lying in the cold region. 

The climate of Mexico is considered by many as the most delight- 
ful in the world along the central plateau, which is the region of the 
Eepublic most thickly populated. 

The climatic conditions of some parts of Mexico are undergoing 
great changes on account of the destruction of forests. The seasons 
are divided into the rainy and the dry. 

Eegarding the flora and fauna of Mexico, we may say that they are 
most varied and important. Further on we will refer more fully to 
them; for the present it may be stated that there are raised in Mexico 
all the products of the torrid, temperate, and frigid zones. As far as 
mining- is concerned, we can truly say that Mexico is perhaps the 
richest country in the world in that line. 

The population of the Eepublic was estimated at 9,908,011 in 1879. 
The census of 1895 gave a total of 12,619,949. The latest census, held 
in 1900. gives 13,545,462 as the total number of inhabitants in the Ee- 
public. 



Ill 
The Constitution 

As already stated, the Constitution now in force in Mexico was 
adopted on February 5, 1857. Since then it has been amended at dif- 
ferent times. It adopts for the Eepublic a representative, democratic, 
and federal form of government, the states composing the Eepublic 
being free as to anything which refers to their interior adminis- 
tration. The Federal Government is divided into three coordinate 
branches, viz: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. 

The legislative power of the Eepublic is vested in the Chamber of 
Deputies and the Senate. The members of the Chamber of Deputies 
are elected for two years, while the senators serve four years, half of 
the Senate being renewed every two years, and only two senators 
being elected for each state and the Federal District. 

The Congress meets twice every year. The first session, which 
may be extended thirty days, begins on September 16 and ends on 
December 15. The second, which can be extended for fifteen days, 
opens on April 1 and closes on May 31. 

While the Congress is not in session there is a Permanent Com- 
mittee consisting of twenty-nine members, fifteen from the Chamber 
of Deputies and fourteen from the Senate, who are appointed by the 
respective legislative bodies. This Permanent Committee has certain 
limited powers and reports on all matters not acted upon by the 
previous Congress, so as to expedite business in the succeeding ses- 
sion. 

The executive j)ower is in the hands of the "President of the 
United Mexican States", who is elected by electors chosen by the 
people, for a term of four years. The President may be re-elected, 
there being no limitation whatever as to the number of times that he 
may serve. In case of temporary vacancy in the ofiice of President, 
the Secretary of Foreign Eelations acts in his stead, while in case of 
his death or personal disability, a provisional, president is elected by 
Congress, who discharges the duties of the office until a successor is 
elected by the people. The salary of the President is $50,000 per year. 

The President appoints the persons who comprise his cabinet. 
They are seven, and have charge of the following- departments: For- 
eign Eelations; Interior; Justice and Public Instruction; Public Pro- 
motion, Colonization and Industry; Communications and Public 
Works; Finance and Public Credit; War and Navy. 

The Federal Judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Justice 
and the District and Circuit Courts. They have jurisdiction: (a) In 



A Few Facts Abowt Mexico 

all cases arising" from the enforcement and application of federal laws, 
provided the same do not affect private interests, (b) In admiralty 
cases, (c) In cases to which the Federal Government is a party, 
(d) In cases arising between two or more states, (e) In cases aris- 
ing- between a state and one or more citizens of another state, or be- 
tween two or more states, (f) In civil or criminal cases arising from 
treaties made with foreign powers, (g) In cases affecting diplomatic 
and consular offices. The jurisdiction of said courts likewise extend 
to all cases growing out of laws or acts of any authority which in- 
fringe individual rights; of laws or acts of the Federal Executive 
which violate or limit the sovereignty of states, and of laws or acts 
of such states which encroach on the authority of the Federal Govern- 
ment. 

The seat of the supreme power of the Federation is the capital of 
the Eepublic, situated within the Federal District. 

Under the Constitution all men are born free within the Republic 
and slaves who set foot upon the national territory, thereby recover 
their liberty. Instruction is free, and every man may adopt the pro- 
fession, industrial pursuit, or occupation, which he prefers, provided 
it is useful and honorable. No one can be obliged to g-ive personal ser- 
vices without just compensation and without his full consent. The 
liberty to write or to publish writings on any subject whatever is in- 
violable. No previous censure nor other restriction on the liberty of 
the press may be allowed. The right of petition and of lawful as- 
semblage is secured. 

Every man has the right to enter and to leave the Republic, +o 
travel through its territory and to change his residence, without the 
necessity of a passport or safe-conduct. 

No title of nobility or hereditary honors are recognized, and no 
person may be tried by special law nor by special tribunals, nor shall 
retroactive laws be enacted. No person may be arrested for debts of 
a purely civil character, and imprisonment shall take place only for 
crimes which deserve corporal punishment, while no detention shall 
exceed the term of three days, unless justified by a wrrit showing 
cause of imprisonment and other requisites established by the laws. 
Punishment by mutilation and infamy, branding, flogging, the bas- 
tinado, torture of whatever kind, confiscation of property, or any 
unusual or extraordinary punishment are forever prohibited. 

In all criminal proceedings, the accused shall have the following 
guarantees: that the ground of the proceedings and the name of the 
complainant, if there shall be one, shall be made known to him; that 
his preliminary declaration shall be taken within forty-eight hours af- 
ter the time when he may be placed at the disposal of the judge; that 
he shall be confronted with the witnesses who testify against him; that 
he shall be furnished with the information that he may require and 
that appears in the records of the proceedings, and finally that he shall 
be heard in his defence by himself or by counsel, or by both, as he niay 




»i-^lfc. 




Hon. Igfnacio Mariscal 
Secretary of Foreign Relations 



The Constitution 

desire. No criminal proceedings may be heard before more than 
three tribunals, and no one shall be tried twice for the same offence, 
whether by the judg-ment of the coiu't he be acquitted or condemned. 

In time of peace no soldier may demand quarters, supplies, or 
other real or personal service, without the consent of the owner; and 
in time of war he may do so only in the manner prescribed bj^ law. 

Private property shall not be taken witho'ut the consent of the 
owner, except on the ground of public utility, and upon previous in- 
demnification. The inviolability of sealed corresj)ondence going 
through the mails is secured, and the infractors of this guarantee 
rshall be punished severely. 

Monopolies of all kinds under pretext of industrial protection, are 
prohibited, excepting- the government's exclusive rig'ht to coin money 
and of the postal service, besides the limited privileges granted by la^N 
to patentees of any useful invention. 

No corporation, civil or ecclesiastical, whatever may be its char- 
acter, denomination, or object, shall have legal capacity to acquire in 
ownership, or manag-e for itself, real estate, with the exception of the 
buildings directly devoted to service or object of the institution, and 
no religious cori>oration is permitted to acquire real estate or the 
•capital invested thereon, except as prescribed by law. 

The Senate and the church are independent of one another, and 
•Congress may not pass laws establishing or prohibiting any religion. 
No monastic orders can be recognized, nor will the government per- 
mit their establishment. 

Marriage is considered a simple civil contract and the civil status 
of persons belong to the exclusive jurisdiction of the functionaries of 
the civil order within the limits prescribed by the laws. The simple 
promise to speak the truth and comply with the oblig-ations that are 
insured thereby, is substituted for the religious oath, with its effects 
and penalties. 

The President of the Republic, with the advice of his cabinet and 
with the approval of Congress, or, during its recess, of the Permanent 
Committee, may suspend all constitutional guarantees in cases of in- 
vasion, serious internal disorder, or great disturbance endangering 
the state, but only for a lin:iited period, by means of general pro- 
visions and without the same being aimed at a particular individual. 

According to the Constitution, Mexicans are: (1) All persons 
born within or without the territory of the Republic, of Mexican par- 
entage. (2) Foreigners that are naturalized in conformity with the 
iederal laws. (3) Foreigners that may acquire real estate in the 
Republic, or have children, provided they do not express their de- 
termination to preserve their nationality. It is the duty of every 
Mexican to defend the independence, territory, honor, rights, and in- 
terests of his country, and to contribute to the general expenses of the 
Federation, as well as of the state and municipality in which he may 
reside, and as the law may prescribe. To be a citizen of the Republic, 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

one must, beside being a Mexican, be eighteen years, of age, if mar- 
ried, or twenty-one, if not married, and possess honest means of live- 
lihood. All citizens have the right to vote at all popular elections, to 
be voted for any office subject to popular election, and be appointed 
for any other employment or commission, if they have the qualifica- 
tions established by law; to meet with others to discuss the political 
affairs of the country, to enter the army or the national guard, and to 
exercise in all cases the right of petition. A citizen has the obligation 
to be inscribed on the register of the municipality stating all prop- 
erty owned by him and the industry, profession, and labor he is en- 
gaged in, to enlist in the national guard, to vote at popular elections 
in the district to which he belongs, and to discharge the duty of any 
office to which he may be elected. Citizenship is lost by naturalization 
in a foreign country and by serving officially the government of an- 
other nation, or accepting from it badges, titles, or employment, 
without previous permission from the Federal Congress, exce])ting 
literary, scientific, and humanitarian titles, which may be accepted 
freely. 

Foreigners under the Constitution are those who do not possess 
the qualifications of Mexicans, above stated; they have all g-eneral 
rights granted to Mexican citizens, but must obey and respect the in- 
stitutions, laws, and authorities of the country, subjecting- them 
selves to the judgment and decrees of the courts, without havir.j^ the 
right to seek other protection than that granted to Mexican cilizens. 
The rights and duties of aliens and foreigners, as well as their natural- 
ization, have been regulated by the law of May 26, 1886. 

The powers which are not expressly granted by the Constitution, 
are understood to be reserved to the states. The Constitution, the 
laws of the Congress of the Union passed by virttie thereof, and all 
the treaties made, or which shall be made, by the President of the 
Republic with the approval of Congress, shall be the supreme law of 
the land, and tJie judges of each state shall be guided by said Consti- 
tution, laws, and treaties, notwithstanding provisions to the con- 
trary, which may api^ear in the Constittition or laws of the states. 




Gen. Manuel Gonzalez Cosio 
Secretary of the Interior 



IV 
The Federal Administration 

As we have already stated, the executive power of the Eepublie 
is lodged in the President, who has a cabinet of seven secretaries to 
assist him in the discharg-e of his duties. We will now cursorily 
glance at the work assigned to each of the said secretaries, who are 
at the head of the respective departments of the Federation. 

The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Relations has a sub- 
secretary, as his assistant, and five chiefs of bureaus. The first bu- 
reau is entrusted with all diplomatic affairs relating to America, 
Asia, and Oceanic. The second bureau has under its charge the same 
matters relating to Europe. The third bureau has in charge the con- 
sular service. The fourth bureau is for letters-patent, treaties, pass- 
ports, register of naturalization, etc. The fifth bureau deals with the 
accounts, archives and library of the department. The general arch- 
ives of the nation are also under the direct management of the De- 
partment of Foreign Relations. 

Mexico is represented abroad by an embassy in the United States, 
by leg-ations in England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Bel- 
gium, Holland, Portugal, and Austria, in Europe; a leg-ation for the 
Central American Republics, another for the South American Re- 
publics, and one in Japan. There are also representatives from those 
countries in Mexico, who reside at the capital of the Republic, the 
representative of the United States having the full rank of am- 
bassador. 

The diplomatic career is governed in Mexico by the org-anic laAv of 
June 3, 1896, and the regulations of the same. 

Mexico has established a competent consular service abroad, and 
the same is regulated by the law of February 12, 1834, which has been 
modified several times. The regulations for the service were issued 
on September 16, 1871. 

Treaties of friendship, commerce, navigation, extradition, etc.,. 
with nearly all the nations in the globe have been signed and are in 
force, and the boundary treaties with the United States, Guatemala, 
and Great Britain, already referred to, have satisfactory solved pend- 
ing questions as to the boundary lines with the neighboring nations. 

The Department of Interior has under its charge the due obser- 
vance of the Federal Constitution, the election of federal officers, the 
relations between the President of the Republic and the Congi-ess and 
the various states, public health, regulations as to public worship, the 
administration of the Federal District and the territories, the rural 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

police, the public civil register, the national loan office, municipal 
councils, federal penitentiaries and houses of correction, public chari- 
ties, public festivities, the Official Gazette, and the government print- 
ing office. The secretary has a sub-secretary and four chiefs of bu- 
reaus under his immediate direction. 

The Federal District and the two territories, as far as political 
and administrative powers are concerned, are directly under the con- 
trol of the Department of the Interior, while the Federal Congress 
legislates regarding them. This department likewise directs every- 
thing relative to public health through the Superior Council of that 
branch of the public service, acting in conformity with the law on the 
subject, approved September 10, 1894. Public security, the electoral 
regulations and the establishment of harmonious relations between 
the federal and the state authorities are matters which greatly claim 
the attention of this department. 

Justice and public instruction are branches of the public service 
entrusted to the same secretary, but during the present year two sub- 
secretaries instead of one, have been respectively assigned to aid the 
secretar^^ in his labors. The first branch mentioned comprises the ad- 
ministration of justice, in everything relative to the federal laws 
and courts throughout the Eepublic and the administration of the law 
in general in the Federal District and the territories. 

The educational establishments of the Federation, all under the 
control of this department, are divided into primary, higher or sec- 
ondary, and professional, confining the same, of course, to the insti- 
tutions of that character in the Federal District and the territories. 

For the sake of uniformity in primary instruction, there was 
established under the law of June 3, 1896, a general bureau of primary 
instruction answerable to the department, and having branch offices 
in the territories of the Tepic and Lower California. Hereafter we 
shall refer to the federal institutions of higher and professional edu- 
cation, which are under the direction of this department, but we may 
here state that the National Museum, the National Bibliographical In- 
stitute, the National Library, and other public libraries in the Federal 
District and the territories are likewise under the control of this de- 
partment. 

The following are matters under the supervision of the Depart- 
ment of Public Promotion, Colonization, and Industry, viz: Sale of 
public lands, industry, trade marks, weights and measures, mining 
properties, water rights, agriculture, pisciculture, forestry, natural 
productions, immigration, national geography, astronomical and 
metereological observations, patents, national and international ex- 
positions, geology, statistics, and the study of Mexican medicinal 
plants. There is a sub-secretary and six chiefs of bureaus to 
aid the secretary, and likewise a director of statistics, a medical 
institute, a weights and measures department, the geologi- 
cal commission, and the commission of geographical explor- 




Hon. Justino Fernandez 
Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction. 



The Federal Administration 

ations. The work of making the boundary lines bet-ween Mexico 
and its neighbors was also under this department, which has charge, 
as already stated, likewise, of the principal sources of national wealth 
of the Eepublic. 

The Department of Communications and Public Work has control 
of everything relative to telegraph, railroad, and steamship lines, 
bridges, roads, post offices, hydrographic works, public monuments, 
the drainage of the Valley of Mexico, and other public works in gen- 
eral. There is a sub-secretary and three chiefs of bureaus to aid the 
secretary in his labors. Furthermore, the hydrographic commission, 
the post-master-general, and the director-general of telegraphs, are 
dependencies of this department. 

The Department of Finance and Public Credit has under its charge 
the collection of all federal taxes and imports, the purchase, sale, and 
management of all national property, all matters relative to institu- 
tions of credit and to the mints, the expenses of the federal adminis- 
tration, fiscal statistics, the public register of property, and every- 
thing pertaining to the commerce and the public debt of the Eepublic. 

Finally, the Department of War and Navy has under its control 
supervision of everything pertaining to the military and naval ser- 
vice of the nation. The sub-secretary and six chiefs of bureaus as- 
sist in the various labors of this department. Dependent on it are the 
general staff, the military school at Chapultepec, and other establish- 
ments for instruction in the various branches of the military and naval 
services. The Supreme Military Court and its subordinate tribunals, 
as well as various commissions for the advancement and improvement 
of the service and to prepare charts and maps of the Eepublic, are also 
subject to the control of this important department. 



V 
President Diaz and His Cabinet 

We think that it would not be out of place to give here slight 
biographical sketches of President Diaz and the members of his 
•cabinet. 

Porfirio Diaz was born at Oaxaca, September 15, 1830. After 
finishing his preliminary studies, he entered the seminary of his 
native city, and while a student took part, in 1847, in the defense of 
iis country against the armies of the United States. Two years after- 
wards, he began to study law at the Institute of Sciences of the State 
of Oaxaca. Unfortunately, lack of means and the necessity of assist- 
ing his family, made him abandon his studies. Affiliated with the Lib- 
eral party of his country, he early took part in its struggles against 
the Conservatives, and helped in the overthrow of General Santa 
Anna. The first public office held by Porfirio Diaz was that of Sub- 
prefect at Ixtlan. Wben the War of Keform began he was Captain in 
the 2nd Battalion of the State National Guard. During that war he 
was dangerously wounded, in 1857, at the Battle of Ixtapa. As soon 
as he recovered he again took up arms, fought in various encounters, 
and in July, 1857, became Lieutenant-colonel in the National Guard, 
while shortly afterwards he was made Colonel. In 1860, he laid siege 
to Oaxaca, took it, but was wounded in the leg- while leading his men 
on to the assault. When the War of Eeform ended he was elected a 
Deputy to the Federal Congress, but his legislative labors were very 
brief, and he again entered the field against the reactionary forces, 
which he defeated at Jalatlaco, August 3, 1861. This feat of arms 
gave him the rank of Brigadier-general. When the French invasion 
commenced, General Diaz took up the defence of his native land and 
formed part of the victorious army which defeated the foreign troops 
at Puebla, May 5, 1862. He therefore continued in active service and 
was among the defenders of the same city of Puebla, which sur- 
rendered to the French after a long siege in the spring of 1863. There 
he fell a prisoner, escaped, and again fought in the ranks of the Lib- 
eral forces. He was captured a second time and again eluded his 
captors. Thereupon, he gathered fresh troops and defeated the in- 
vaders of his country at Tulancing'O, Piutla, and Miabuatlan, his crown- 
ing achievements at that time being the victory of La Carbonera, won 
October, 16, 1866, and the taking of Oaxaca soon after. He then laid 
siege to Puebla, and upon learning that a large force was coming to 
relieve the city, he ordered a general assault which was successful. 
This took place April 2, 1867. Thereafter he defeated the relieving 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

array, hastened and laid sieg-e to the capital of the Republic, which 
he took June 21, 1867, this being the finishing blow to the so-called 
empire. Peace being restored, he retired to private life, but when he 
was nominated as a presidential candidate he issued his manifest, 
called of "La Noria," this being the country place where he resided. 
This political movement terminated when President Juarez died and 
Mr. Lerdo de Tejada became President. Owing to the agitation 
against the re-election of President Lerdo de Tejada, the manifest or 
"plan" of Tuxpec was issued, and through the battles won at Tecoac 
and Los Abodes, General Diaz entered victorious the City of Mexico 
November 24, 1876. A general election being held, he was elected 
President of the Eepublic, and took possession of that high office May 
2, 1877. He remained as chief executive of tbe nation until December 
1, 1880, when he surrendered his trust to his successor, General Ma- 
nuel Gonzalez. From the first election of President Diaz the era of 
peace and prosperity, the development of railways, and the establish- 
ment of several new industries may be properly said to have com- 
menced in the Mexican Eepublic. During the administration of General 
Gonzalez, Porfirio Diaz acted as Secretary of Public Promotion, Sen- 
ator, Governor of the State of Oaxaca, and Commissioner-general for 
the New Orleans Exposition of 1884-5. Prior to the discharge of bis 
duties as such Commissioner-General he made a trip to the United 
States, where he was most cordially received and grandly entertained. 
Upon his re-election to the presidency he again assumed office in De- 
cember, 1884, and since the approval of a constitutional amendment he 
has been through successive re-elections, reinaugurated President, in 
1888, 1892, 1896, and 1900. The enthusiastic and magnificent ovation he 
received upon his reinaugiaration in last December is still fresh in the 
memory of all newspaper readers. President Diaz is, indeed, one of 
the most popular and conspicuous leaders in both continents, and his 
achievements in peace and in war will give him everlasting fame. 

Among the great gifts that President Diaz possesses as a states- 
man, one of the most remarkable is that of knowing how to choose 
his advisors and how to surround himself by most competent and able 
counsellors. The Cabinet of the President is an exceptionally strong- 
one. The Premier, or Secretary of Foreign Relations, who under the 
Constitution holds a position equivalent to that of Vice President, is 
Mr. Ignacio Mariscal, who was born at the City of Oaxaca, July 5, 
1829. From his earliest childhood he showed great aptitude for the 
study of jurisprudence, and when scarcely twenty years of age he 
was admitted to the bar at the capital of the Eepublic. He then re- 
turned to his native city, where he held various subordinate offices. 
Being elected a member of the National Constitutional Convention, he 
was one of the signers of the Federal Constitution, adopted February 
5, 1857, and which is now in force. During the War of Reform he held 
office under Juarez. In 1861 and 1862 he was again a member of the 
Chamber of Deputies. Thereafter he became a Justice of the National 

38 




Hon. Leandro Fernandez 

Secretary of the Department of Public Promotion, under the direction of whose 

Department Mexico's Exhibit at Buffalo is made 



President Diaz and His Cabinet 

Supreme Court, and in 1863 he was Sub-secretary of Foreign Affairs. 
During the War of the French Intervention he was Secretary of the 
Legation, and then Charge d' Affairs of Mexico at Washington. Upon 
his return to his native country he occupied various official positions, 
.and in 1868 he became Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction. 
In the succeeding year he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and 
Minister Plenipotentiary in the United States, which high diplomatic 
position he held until 1876. Eeturning to Mexico, he successfully filled 
ihe offices of Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federal District, 
President of National School of Jurisprudence, and in 1879 he again 
took charge of the Department of Justice and Public Instruction. 
It was mainly through his efforts that the Codes of Civil Procedure 
and of Penal Procedure and other laws regarding practice in the 
federal courts were issued. In 1880 Mr. Mariscal was appointed Secre- 
tary of Foreign Affairs, and since then until now, excepting the 
period he acted as Mexico's diplomatic representative at the Court of 
St. James and a few months' travel in Europe for the benefit of his 
health, he has been at the head of that important department. His 
invaluable services in the negotiations of treaties, and in settling the 
difficult boundary questions with Guatemala and Belize, and in all 
other matters refering to international relations, are well known, and 
have won for him a high reputation as a diplomat. He is, further- 
more, an eloquent orator, an elegant writer, and a fine linguist. He is 
a member of several foreign and domestic scientific and literary so- 
cieties, and has received decorations from various governments. The 
last visit of Mr. Mariscal to the United States was in 1899, when he 
<iame as representative of President Diaz to take part in the laying 
of the corner stone of the public federal building of Chicago. In that 
city, in New York, and elsewhere, he was most cordially and en- 
thusiastically received. 

At the head of the Department of the Interior we find General 
Manuel Gonzalez Cosio, who was born at the City of Zacatecas in 1838. 
After obtaining a common school education he went to the City of 
Mexico, where he pursued the studies necessary for the career of a 
-civil engineer. The Civil War between the Conservative and Liberal 
parties drew young Gonzalez Cosio into the ranks of the Liberal army. 
Through his gallant conduct in various battles he rose rapidly, and 
when the War of the French Intervention commenced he was among 
the first to take up arms on behalf of his country. His most brilliant 
achievements during those campaigns was his stubborn defence of 
Fort Santa Ines, 1863, at the City of Puebla; as a recognition of his 
conduct he was then appointed General. He was then taken prisoner 
a,nd sent to France, where he remained about a year. Eegaining his 
liberty, he decided to return to his country with two fellow-prisoners. 
Upon arriving in the United States, the three companions had no 
means to pursue their homeward journey, and so determined to draw 
lots and find out which one of them would enlist in the Federal Army, 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

so that with the bounty money the other two might be able to reach 
their native land. Luck was against him, and he was about to enter 
the service of the United States, when a friend loaned the three 
patriots sufficient funds to buy their passage to Mexico. There, Gen- 
eral Gonzalez Cosio continued fighting bravely in the ranks of the 
Eepublican army. When peace was restored he was elected deputy, 
then member of the Federal Senate, and on two occasions Governor of 
his native state. From 1886 to 1889 he was President of the Common 
Council of the capital of the Republic. Thereafter he became Secre- 
tary of Communications and Public Works, and on the death of the 
able statesman, Manuel Romero Rubio, the portfolio of the Interior 
was given to him. He has been ever since at the head of that de- 
partment, gaining well-merited praise for his efficient administration 
of affairs. During his term of office the new penitentiary of the 
Federal District and other public improvements, as well as charitable 
and correctional institutions, have been established and fostered. 

Mr. Justino Fernandez is the latest addition to President Diaz's 
Cabinet, and was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Instruction, 
and succeeded the former Minister, Mr. Joaquin Baranda, April 19th 
of the present year. The new Secretary was born at the City of 
Mexico, June 22, 1828. After the termination of the usual academic 
course, he pursued his professional studies and in January, 1853, wa& 
admitted to the bar. Soon after he took part in political life, and be- 
came a member of the Common Council of the City of Mexico. He 
entered the ranks of the Liberal party and was returned to Congress. 
He has had the honor of being one of the signers of the Federal Con- 
stitution of 1857, now in force. Mr. Fernandez has held several im- 
portant offices, and in 1860 was elected Governor of the State of Hidal- 
go. Since 1882 he has been one of the most prominent members of 
Congress at various times. Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and 
since 1884 Dean of the National College of Jurisprudence. He is a 
member of many scientific and literary societies, both at home and 
abroad, and is a fine speaker and forcible writer. 

Mr. Leandro Fernandez, Secretary of the Department of 
Public Promotion, Mining, Agriculture, and Colonization, was 
born February 27, 1851, in the District of Nombre de Dios, 
State of Durango. He pursued his preliminary instruction in 
his native city, . but terminated his professional studies at the 
City of Mexico. In 1873 he was received as assayer, and 
soon after as civil engineer. He practiced his profession successfully, 
and had under his charge the Chair of Mathematics and Astronomy 
at the National College of Mines. For a time he was President of that 
institution of learning and also Director of the Central Astronomical 
Observatory. Upon the organization of the new Department of Com- 
munications and Public Works he was appointed Sub-secretary of that 
department. He has been likewise Director of the Mint at the capital 
of the Republic and a member of the Sanitary Board of said city^ 




Gen. Francisco 21. Mena 
Secretary of Communications and Public Works 



President Diaz and His Cabinet 

He discharged with marked ability the duties of these various posi- 
tions. In 1897 he was elected Governor of the State of Durango, but 
soon returned to take charge of the Mint at the City of Mexico. 
Finally upon the resignation of the former Secretary of the Depart- 
ment of Public Promotion, Mr. Manuel Fernandez Leal, President 
Diaz, with his usual tact and foresig'ht, selected Mr. Leandro Fernan- 
dez as his successor. He entered into the discharge of his new duties. 
in December, 1900. 

General Francisco Z. Mena, the Secretarjr of Communications and 
Public Works, was born in 1841 at the City of Leon, State of Guana- 
juato. While yet a boy he entered the ranks of the Liberal army, and 
in March, 1857, beg-an his distinguished military career as a Lieutenant 
in the infantry army. He rose in rank and in November, 1880, was 
made a Brigadier-general. During the War of the French Intervention 
he was a member of General Diaz's staff. After the fall of Maximilian,, 
he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, was re-elected for several 
terms, and thereafter became Governor of the State of Guanajuato. 
Being appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary 
of his country in London and Berlin, he served with distinction, until he 
resigned. He remained several years abroad, but was finally called by 
President Diaz to his present position. In his department General 
Mena has supervision over the railways, telegraph and postal services- 
of the Eepublic, which he has managed with great ability. A dis- 
tinguished soldier and an affable gentleman. General Mena has won 
the esteem of all who come in contact with him. 

The Secretary of Finance in President Diaz's Cabinet is Mr. Jose 
Ives Limantour, a lawyer by profession and a great financier. He was 
born at the City of Mexico, December 24, 1854. His parents were- 
wealthy and g-ave him all the advantages of a liberal education. After 
pursuing his preliminary studies at the National Preparatory School, 
and his law studies at the National School of Jurisprudence, he was 
admitted to the bar in March, 1875. In the succeeding- year he was ap- 
pointed Professor of Political Economy at the National College of 
Commerce. He began his public career as a member of the Common. 
Council of the City of Mexico, and in 1888 he was elected to the Cham- 
ber of Deputies, where he served several terms and acted as President 
of said legislative body. During- that time at various occasions he 
filled commissions of importance for the Federal Government. His- 
thorough acquaintance with all questions relative to political economy 
led to his appointment in March, 1892, as Snb-secretary of the Depart- 
ment of Finance. A year afterwards he was given the portfolio of 
that department, where he has since rendered inestimable services to 
his country. The late conversion of the public debt and the financial 
operations performed under his direction, whereby a balance of sev- 
eral millions have remained in the National Treasury, have stamped 
him as one of the ablest financiers of the present time. Mr. Liman- 
tour speaks several languages, is highly accomplished, and although. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

wealthy, instead of devoting his time to frivolous amusements or 
pleasure, gives himself up readily to intellectual labor and painstaking 
study. He has traveled throughout Europe and the United States, his 
last trip having occurred during the spring and summer of 1899. 

The Portfolio of War and Navy in General Diaz's Cabinet is held 
by General Bernando Eeyes, one of the most popular military leaders 
of the Kepublic. He was born at the City of Guadalajara in 1850, and 
after pursuing his preliminary studies, entered college, bvit when six- 
teen years of age he went into the ranks of the Republican army, 
which was fighting against the French invaders. He rose rapidly 
through his gallantry, and was present at the siege of Queretaro, when 
Archduke Maximilian was made a prisoner. After peacfe was restored 
he continued his miltary career, and at various times assisted in put- 
ting down some revolutionary chieftains. At Villa Union he won a 
great victory, but was wounded three times. It was then he was 
given the rank of Brigadier-general. Since then he has been made a 
Major-general. Owing to his popularity he was made Governor of the 
State of Nuevo Leon in 1885, and was re-elected for several successive 
terms. His wise and enlightened administration of affairs in that 
state gave him both a national and an international reputation. Final- 
ly, on the death of Secretary of War Berriozabal, in 1899, President 
Diaz called him to become a member of his Cabinet. In that position 
he has rendered important services, and has justly earned the plaudits 
of his countrymen. 

The foregoing brief sketches of the persons who are aiding Presi- 
dent Diaz in his great and patriotic labors, sufficiently demonstrate 
the wisdom displayed by the Executive of Mexico in the selection of 
the members of his official family. 




Hon. Jose Ives Limantour 
Secretary of Finances 



VI 

The Federal District^ the States^ and 
the Territories 

The Eepublic of Mexico is divided into a Federal District, twenty- 
seveii states, and two territories; As already stated, the states are 
"free and indeiDcndent as far as their internal affairs are concerned;, 
each one has a Governor, a Legislature, and a State Jndiciar3^ 

The Federal District, situated in the southwestern portion of the 
Yalieji- of Mexico, has an area of about 463 square miles. According- 
to the census of 1900, it has a population of 540,478 inhabitants. It 
is divided into four subprefectures, viz: Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Tacu- 
baya, Tlalpan and Xochimilco, and the Municipality of Mexico, the 
capital of the Republic. About three-fourths of the lands in the 
Federal District are under cultivation. The Municipality of Mexico 
comprises the capital proper, with a xaopulation of 368,777 inhabitants. 
It has about nine hundred streets and lanes, five hundred and thirty- 
two public and private schools, ten theaters, twenty-one hospitals and 
asylums, one hundred and thirty-four churches, fourteen markets, 
and thirty-four libraries. The number of dwelling houses in the 
Federal District was 47,901 in 1900, and the value of real estate about 
$200,000,000. The City of Mexico is one of the oldest of this continent, 
and has been successively the capital of the Aztec Empire, of the 
Colony of New Spain, and now of the Eepublic. At present it em- 
braces nearly twice the area that it did in olden times. It is a most 
important commercial center and xjossesses wealthy banking institu- 
tions, great manufacturing industries, large and numerous stores and 
mercantile establishments, electric lighting and tramways, and all 
the comforts and conveniences to be found in the leading cities of the 
world. The great work of the drainage of the Valley of Mexico, 
which was successfully terminated in 1896 at a cost of more than 
$13,000,000, is nov/ to be perfected and made thoroughly available tb 
the city, by the construction of an extensive system of interior sew- 
eis, soon to be completed at nn expense of several million dollars. 
The water supply' of the city has been greatly enlarged, and latelj^ the 
widening of several streets, the construction of a new hospital, of a 
magnificent national theater, of a Legislative palace, of a new post- 
office, and of other expensive improvements, will greatly add to the 
beautj' and attractiveness of that great capital. 

We will now briefly describe the states of the Republic in their 
alphabetical order: 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

The State of Aguascalientes has a popuhition of 101,940 inhabitants. 
Its total area is about 2,951 square miles. Though one of the smallest 
states in the Eepublic, it is very rich in agricultural resources. The 
principal industries of the state are stock raising, agriculture, min- 
ing, and commerce. Its chief city, bearing the same name, had in 
1900 a population of 35,052 inhabitants. 

The State of Campeche, with a population of 84,281 inhabitants, 
occupies the western portion of the Peninsula of Yucatan. Its area 
is 18,091 square miles. Nearly all the state has a hot climate. Its 
principal industries is the cutting and shipping of cabinet woods, 
commerce, agriculture, stock raising, fisheries, exploitation of the 
salt deposits, and manufacturing of articles made from the heniquen 
fibtir. Its icapital is the City of Campeche, with a population in 1895 
of about 17,000 inhabitants.* Its leading sea port is El Carmen. 

The State of Chiapas has a population of 363,607 inhabitants, 
and is situated along the boundai-y line with Guatemala, and has 
an area of 27,230 square miles. It has great agricultural resources 
and, though generally hot, has lands at a moderate altitude, enjoy- 
ing a temperate climate. Its principal industries are the raising o1 
eoftee, tobacco, rubber, and fruits, stock raising and commerce.. Its 
capital is Tuxtla Gutierrez, with a population in 1895 of 7,882 inhabit- 
ants, and its leading sea ports are Tonala and San Benito. 

The State of Chihiiahua is the largest state in the Eepublic, has 
an area of 87.820 square miles and a population of 327,004 inhabitants. 
It is a very rich state in mining and agriculture, and its manufactur- 
ing interests are also of importance. Being situated along the fron- 
tier of the United States, it has great commerce with said country. 
Its capital city bearing the same name has a population in 1895 of 
13,128 inhabitants. 

The State ot Coahuila is the third largest in the Republic, and 
has also the I'nited States for its northern boundary. Its area is 
62,376 square miles and its population is 280,899 inhabitants. Agri- 
culture is the principal industry of the state and cattle raising is one 
of its great sources of wealth. Although its mining resources were 
little known until lately, now they are being well and properly de- 
veloped. The leading' city and capital is Saltillo. with a ]iopulation 
in 1900 of 40,441 inhabitants. 

The State of Colima is after Tlaxcala, the smallest of the Re- 
public. Its area is 2,273 square miles and it has a population of 65,026 
inhabitants. Most of the state is in a tropical region and has a good 
coast line along the Pacific Ocean. The principal industries are agri- 
culture, stock raising, and the exploitation of the salt deposits. The 
capital of the state had in 1895 19,305 inhabitants. 



*Where the figures of the census of 1900 could not be obtained 
before this publication went to press, those of the census of 1895 are 
given. 




Gen. Bernardo Reyes 

Secretary of War and Navy 



The Federal District, the States, and the Territories 

The State of Durango lias an area of 38,020 square miles and a 
population of 371,274 inhabitants. It is a vei-y large and rich stale, 
and its capital city bearing' the same name had a jjopnlation in 1900 
of 42,165 inhabitants. Its principal indtistries are agriculture, stock 
raising, and commerce. There are various manufactories in the state, 
among Avhidh are several cotton mills of importance. 

The State of Guanajuato has an area of 11,374 square miles and a 
population of 1,065,317 inhabitants. Its capital city had in 1900 a 
popiilation of 52,412 inhabitants. There are other large cities as Leon; 
Celaya, Ran Miguel Allende, Irapuato, Silao, and Salamanca. The 
state has one of the richest mineral regions in the world and is a- 
most important mercantile and indnstrial center of the Republic. 

1%e State of Guerrero, having a sea coast line on' the Pacific, has 
a population of 474,594 inhabitants and an area of 25,003 square miles'. 
Its leading city and capital is Chilpancingo with 6,204 inhabitants iii 
1895, and its principal sea port is Acapulco. The commerce and 
manufacturing- interests of Guerrero are as yet of comparatively 
little importance, and its agricnltural and mineral interests are partly 
undeveloped. 

The State of Hidalgo, with an area of 8,920 square miles and a 
population of 603,074 inhabitants, is one of the most important in so 
far as mining is concerned. Its principal industries are the reduction 
of ores, the manufacturing of cotton and woolen goods and of pulque, 
brick tiles, etc. Its leading- city and capital is Pachuca, with a popu- 
lation in 1895 of 52,189 inhabitants. 

The State of Jalisco is one of the richest in the Republic and has 
the largest population of any. Its manufacturing, agricultural, and 
commercial interests are very great. It has an area of 31,855 square 
miles and a population of 1,137,311 inhabitants. Its capital is Guada- 
lajara, "a very beautiful city with a population in 1895 of 83,870 in- 
habitants. 

The State of Mexico is among the most important in the Republic 
for its agricultural and industrial interests. It has an area of 9,250 
square miles and a population of 924,457 inhabitants. Stock raising 
and mining- are also sources of its wealth. The leading city and 
capital, Toluca, with a population in 1900 of 20,893 inhabitants, is a 
most attractive and interesting town. 

The State of Michoacan is another of the leading agricultural 
states in the Republic. It has also very rich mining districts and its 
commerce and nianufa'cturing interests are quite important. Its 
population is 935,847 inhabitants and it has an area of 22,881 square 
miles. Its leading city and capital, Morelia, had in 1895 32,287 in- 
habitants, is situated in a picturesque location, and offers great at- 
tractions to the tourist. 

The State of Morelos is one of the smallest, but is a rich state, 
with an area of 2,774 square miles and a population of 161,697 in- 
habitants. Its leading industries are manufacturing, commerce, and 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

agricMiltiire. Its leading- city and rapital. ( iieiuavat*a, had in 189,") 
S,i5o4 inhaliitants and is a most attivu-tive svintei- resort. 

The State of Nuevo Leon, which oeeiipie.s part of the eastern slope 
of the Central Plateau, has an area of 24..324 square miles and a popn- 
lation of :!2().<.)4() inhabitants. 11 has large manufacturing interests, 
its agriculture has been steadily progressing, but its mineral Avealth 
has not been greatly developed. Its principal city and capital is 
Monterrey, a most progressive town and had in 1900 I52,2t>i) in- 
habitants. 

The State of Oaxaca is also of great importance, has an area of 
35, .392 square miles and a population of 947,910 inhabitants. Its lead- 
ing industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. It has 
an extensive coast line along the Pacific Ocean, along which may be 
found Salina Cruz, one of the termini of the Tehuantepee R. R., 
Puerto Angel, and other harbors. The capital had 32,641 inhabitants 
in 1895 and is an interesting city. 

The State of Puebla in the central portion of the Republic is 
most important, especially on account of its manufacturing and agri- 
cultural interests. It has an area of 12,207 square miles and a popula- 
tion of 1,024,446 inhabitants. Its capital bears the same name and 
had 91,917 inhabitants in 1895. and is a large commercial center and 
a handsome city. 

The State of Queretaro, though one of the smallest of the Re- 
public, is very rich in agriculture and mining, and its commercial and 
industrial interests are in flourishing condition. It has an area of 
3,558 square miles and a population of 228,489 inhabitants. Its capital, 
bearing the same name, is historically most interesting, and had in 
1895 a population of 32,790 inhabitants. 

The State of San Luis Potosi, also one of the central states, is 
rich in mining and agriculture, while its industries are rapidly in- 
creasing in importance. It has a population of 582,486 inhabitants, 
and an area of 25,323 square miies. Its capital has the same name, is 
an attractive city, and had in 1900 a population of 61,009 inhabitants. 

The State of Sinaloa has an extensive sea coast line on the Paciflc 
Ocean, a population of 296,109 inhabitants, an area of 33,681 square 
miles, and is rich in agricultural and mining resources. Its leading 
port is Mazatlan, and its capital Cnliacan, which in 1895 had a popu- 
lation of 14,205 inhabitants. 

The State of Sonora is the second in extent and has an area of 
76,922 miles. Its population is 220,553 inhabitants. It is on the border 
of the United States, and its eastern portion is washed by the Gulf 
of California. Its soil is very fertile and it has vast mineral resources. 
Its leading port is Guaj^mas and its capital Ilermosillo. which had in 
1900 a population of 17,618 inhabitants. 

The State of Tabasco lies on the southeastern part of the Re- 
public and borders on Guatemala. It has large rivers and its agri- 
cultural resources are verj^ great. Its area is 10,075 square miles and 



The Federal District^ the States^ and the Temtories 

has a population of 158,107 inhabitants. The capital city of this state 
is San Juan Bautista, which has a population of iO,543 inhabitants. 

The State of Tamaulipas occupies one of the most beautiful sec- 
tions of the Republic, and is one of the border states, and has an ex- 
tensive coast on the Gulf of Mexico. Its principal source of wealth is 
agriculture, and its mineral resources are scarcely developed. With 
an area of 32,585 square miles, it contains only 218,948 inhabitants. 
Its leading sea ports are Matamoros and Tampico, while its capital is 
Ciudad Victoria, with a population of 10,086 inhabitants, according to 
the census of 1900. 

The State of Tlaxcala is the smallest in size in the Eepublic, and 
it has merely 1,595 square miles, with a population of 172,217 inhabi- 
tants. It is essentially an agricultural state. Its capital city bears 
the same name and had in 1895 a population of 2,874 inhabitants. 

The State of Veracruz, considered the richest in the Republic, has 
an area of 29,210 square miles and a population of 960,570 inhabitants. 
It is one of the most important commercial sections of the Republic, 
and has an extensive coast along the Gulf of Mexico, its chief ports 
being Veracruz, Tuxpan, and Coatzacoalco. Its capital is Jalapa, 
with a population in 1895 of 18,173 inhabitants, but both Orizaba and 
Veracruz are larger cities in said state. 

The State of Yucatan, so celebrated for its production of fibrous 
plants, is a peninsula with an area of 35,214 square miles and a popu- 
lation of 312,264 inhabitants. Its foreign trade is carried on almost, 
exclusively throug'h the port of Progreso. Its capital city is Merida, 
which had a population in 1895 of 36,720 inhabitants. 

The iStattyof Zacatecas, with an area of 24,764 square miles and a 
population of 462,886 inhabitants, is one of the most leading central 
states in the Republic. It cannot be classed as an important agricul- 
tural section of the Republic, but its mining resources are vast, while 
its commerce is very large. Its capital and leading- citj'^ had a pojju- 
lation in 1900 of 32,856 inhabitants. 

The two territories of the Republic are Baja (Lower) California, 
a peninsula bordering on the United States, with an area of 58,345 
square miles and a population of 47,082 inhabitants; and Tepic, which 
formerly was part of the State of Jalisco, having- an area of 11,279 
square miles and a population of 149,677 inhabitants. The leading 
city of the former is La Paz, a sea port, with a popiilation in 1895 of 
4,737, and the capital of the later bears the name of the territory, 
and in 1900 had a population of 15,488 inhabitants. 




The Mexican Government Building: 

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition 



VII 

Mineral Resources 



The Mexican Republic is considered by many as the richest min- 
ing- country in the world, and as Baron Humboldt very well ex- 
pressed it, Mexico is probably to be "the treasure house of the world." 
Nearly all her niountains are of a metalliferous character, but those 
which appear richest in mining deposits are on the western chain, ex- 
tending from the State of Oaxaca to that of Sonora, a distance of 
1,600 miles, more or less, from northwest to northeast. The principal 
mining- reg-ions of the Eepublic and the states in which they are re- 
spectivelj^ situated are the following: Peras, State of Oaxaca; Zacual- 
pan, State of Mexico; Guanajuato, State of Guanajuato; Zacatecas, 
State of Zacatecas; Catorce, State of San Luis Potosi; Topia and 
Mapimi, State of Durango; Sierra Mojada, State of Coahuila; El Tri- 
unfo and Santa Rosalia, Territory of Lower California; Chihuahua and 
Batopilas, State of Chihuahua. 

Besides the above, there are others of sufficient importance to be 
found in the States of Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, 
etc.; in fact no state of the Republic can be considered as wanting in 
mineral resources. 

Gold was used freely in Mexico long- before the Spanish conquest 
and it is well known that Cortez and his companions obtained large 
amounts of that precious metal. Althoug-h the production of g-old has 
so far been comparatively small, because silver mining had yielded 
larg-er profits, and Mexico had been an undeveloped country in so far 
as many industries are concerned, the output of the yellow metal has 
increased during- the last few years in a very noticeable manner, and 
in 1899 there were eig'hty-nine g-old producing- mines in the Re]Dublic 
and three hundred and eighty-five mines yielding- gold in combination 
with other metals. The leading- states where gold is being- produced 
are Sonora, Sinaloa, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. 

The following- figures show the most progressive increase in the 
production of said precious metal in the Republic: 

1892-1893 $1,269,907 

1893-1894 $1,244,621 

1894-1895 $4,744,542 

1895-1896 $6,864,806 

1896-1897 $7,218,836 

1897-1898 $7,726,006 

1898-1899 $8,339,882 

1899-1900 $7,823,701 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

The pi-ofl notion of silver represents over one-third of the total 
■output of the world, according to official statistics. In 1899 there 
were in operation in the Repviblic two hundred and fifty-six silver 
mines and four hundred and twenty-one mines yielding- silver in com- 
bination with other metals. The g-reat g-roup of mines in Guanajuato, 
Zacatecas, and Catorce, have produced more than half of all the silver 
heretofore found in Mexico, but there are other districts, such as 
Pachuca and Batopilas, that are immensely rich in their production of 
the white metal. The annual average production of silver in Mexico 
from 1892 to 1896 amounted to $56,311,864. A like yearly average from 
1896 to 1900 was $68,592,540. 

Iron is found in very large and extensive deposits in the Republic 
and if even partially utilized, it would bring great wealth to the coun- 
try. One of the largest mines of this metal, called "Cerro del Mer- 
•cado" near the City of Durango is almost a solid mass of mineral, and 
is 4,800 feet long, 1,100 feet wide and about 640 feet in height. In 1899 
there were twelve iron mines in operation in the Republic and eighty- 
one mines containing it in combination with other metals. 

Copper is now being produced in considerable quantities in 
Mexico, and some of it is exported to the United States and Europe. 
One of the largest group of mines of that class is the Boleo in Lower 
California, exploited by a French company. The total yield of that 
metal in the Rep.ublie amounted in 1899 to the sum of $11,443,733. 

As far as quicksilver is concerned, its production is not sufficient 
for the requirements of the country. In 1899 the yield of that metal 
amounted to $396,451. 

Although large coal deposits have been found and are exploited in 
the Republic, its supply is far inadequate to the demand. Since 1881 
large deposits of that product have been worked in Coahuila, Nuevo 
Leon, Sonora, Puebla, and other states. 

Asphaltum and liquid petroleum are to be found in deposits scat- 
tered here and there throughout the Republic, but until recently they 
have not been worked to any great extent. 

Lead mines yielded over $4,000,000 in metal during 1899, while 
there were about thirty mines in the same year which produced anti- 
mony. Tin and cinnabar can also be found in abundance in several 
states. 

In order to give an idea of the great mineral wealth of Mexico, 
we present the following table which shows the number of mining 
properties on which taxes were paid during April, 1901, although of 
course some of them were not in active operation. 

Gold alone 995 

Gold and silver 2,411 

Gold, silver, and lead 266 

Silver alone 4,181 

Silver and copper 340 

Silver and lead 1,743 

Mercury 123 

6o 



Mineral Resources 

Sulphur 57 

Gold and copi3er 130 

Gold, silver, and copper 253 

Silver, copper, and lead 94 

Copper 412 

Copper and lead 8 

Copper and iron 69 

Lead 37 

Iron 126 

Antimonv 71 

Tin ." 7 

Silver and manganese 8 

Silver and mercury 4 

Manganese 6 

Zinc 1 

There are in the Eepublic besides, several valuable deposits of 
salt rock crystal, jasper, marble, splendid building* stone, and the 
beautiful onyx, so well appreciated and liked in this country. There 
are likewise deposits of various precious stones such as opals, ame- 
thyst, topaz, agate, emerald, and g-arnet. 

In order to form a still more complete idea of the product of 
precious metals in the Eepublic, we herein append some official data 
reg-arding- the exportation of metals and the coinage of the Mexican 
mints. 

Beforehand we may state that in 1899 the output of all the mines- 
was estimated at $89,044,906, and that they gave employment to 106,536 
persons. From Jiily, 1899, to April, 1900, the total value of the 
precious metals brought to the mints and assay offices of the Feder- 
ation was $52,754,426.35, of which $49,066,353.67 were in silver and 
$3,688,066.68 in gold. For the ten corresponding months of the next 
fiscal year, viz., from July, 1900, to April, 1901, the corresponding- 
values were $4,910,272.62 gold and $48,759,834.90 silver, or a total of 
$53,670,107.52. a noticeable increase in that period over the preceding^ 
one. 

As to coinage we will say that from 1889-1899, a period of ten 
years, the mints of the Eepublic issued gold coins to the value of 
$4,498,589.50, silver coins amounting to $242,614,315.60, and copper coins. 
to the value of $741,277.96, the total coinage for the period of ten 
years being $247,854,183.06, or say an average of $24,785,418 per year. 
It may be further stated that since the establishment of the mints in 
the Eepublic up to 1899, the grand total of coinage has amounted to 
$3,577,183,500.14. 

The mineral products of all kinds exported from the Eepublic for 
a period of ten months terminating in April, 1900, amounted to $68,793,- 
279 in value, while the exportation of the same products for a like 
period of ten months terminating in April, 1901, gave a total value of 
$83,596,192.58. 

The above data fullj'' prove to any unprejudiced mind the greatness 
of the mineral resources of the Mexican Eepublic, as well as the in- 
crease that the iDroduction of metallic substances is there attaining. 



vni 
Agriculture 



The wonderful fertility of the soil of the Mexican EeiDublic is well 
known, and it may be truly stated that everything that may be culti- 
vated can be raised in that country with great profit to the agricul- 
turist. 

Owing to its peculiar geographical situation, and orography, Mex- 
ico should be divided into three agricultural zones or regions, which 
may be designated as the sugar cane and rubber region in the low- 
lands, the coffee region in the temperate lands, and the section yield- 
ing the European cereals, which comprises the central j)lateaus. 

According to an article in the "Corn Eeporter" of the Agricultural 
Department of the United States in its issue for June, 1901, Mexico 
ranks third among the corn-growing countries of the world, its total 
crops being exceeded onlj^ by those of the United States and Aiistria- 
Hungary. This most abundant cereal grows almost everjnvhere in 
the Eepublic, and in some places three crops of it are raised everj- 
year. 

Wheat and the other cereals are produced, but not in such abund- 
ance as corn. Still the tables hereinafter inserted, will show the im- 
portance of this production. 

Mexican coffee is now well known, and in the last few years the 
number of plantations have increased, and it is claimed that in time 
Mexico will be able to supply more of that product to the markets of 
the world than all other countries combined, save onljr Brazil. 

The production of cocoa is now increasing every jear, while 
sugar cane, notwithstanding- the great competition to which it has 
been subjected owing- to the increase in the production of sugar beets, 
still is an inexhaustible source of wealth in Morelos, Veracruz, Puebla, 
Jalisco, and other states of the Eepublic. 

Mexican tobacco now holds its place among the first in the world, 
and since 1868 the plant has been cultivated on an extensive scale. 

Cotton has been raised in Mexico from the most remote times, and 
the Aztecs well knew and practised the art of cotton spinning. Al- 
though the soil and climate are suited to the production of this fiber, 
Mexico has to import that staple, as its output is not sufficient to 
supply the great demands of its factories. There are several cotton 
belts in the Eepublic, which are situated in Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango, 
Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, and other states. 

Vanilla, cochineal, and alfalfa are also products which are suc- 
cessfully raised in Mexico. 

In so far as fibers are concerned, the territorj^ of Mexico stands 
pre-eminent for the richness and abundance of such products. The 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

exportation of heniquen, jute, and other fibers, reaches everj^ year 
enormous figures, and the traffic in them is a source of wealth to 
Yucatan. Campeche, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Cliiaxias, and other states. 
Among" fiber plants we cannot forego mentioning- the ag-ave or 
mag-uey, which grows most abundantlj^ on the plateaus, and j'ields a 
great variety of products from its leaAes, roots, and juice, it being 
claimed that about forty different articles are manufactured from 
said plant. Among these we may mention pulque, a beverage made 
from the fermented juice, which is consumed in very large quantity 
in the City of Mexico and neighboring- towns. Mescal or tequila is 
another alcoholic drink, which is largelj' produced principall}' in the 
states of Jalisco and Coahuila. 

About one-fourth of the territory of Mexico is covered with num- 
berless trees and woods for dyeing" and construction purposes, and 
medicinal plants are also to be found throughout the Eepublic. Ma- 
hogany, ebony, rose, cedar, oak, and walnut, and other trees of a 
similar class, are cut yearly and make a large item in the exportation 
of the country. 

Chewing gum and rubber are also valuable products of the Ee- 
public and are successfully obtained in the states of Campeche, Chia- 
pas, Jalisco. Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatan, and the 
Territory of Tepic. 

The climate of the high xilateaus is well adapted with the aid of 
irrigation for the cultivation of all fruits; there we find apples, 
peaches, pears, figs, and apricots produced in abundance. On the 
slope of the Gulf of Mexico and of the Pacific Ocean we find the region 
which produces tropical fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, mameyes. 
chirimoyas, oranges, limes, etc. Of these onlj-^ the orange is cultivated 
for export. Of vegetables there is abundant production, though witli 
few exceptions they are consumed in the home market. 

The flora of Mexico is extensive, brilliant, and varied. All kinds of 
flowers are to be found everywhere, and roses, carnations, begonias, 
camellias, etc., may be procured at the -City of Mexico and other 
cities of the Republic at most reasonable prices. 

Cacti and orchids are abundant, and large quantities of them are 
exported annually. 

We now will make refei"ence of some statistical data, which will 
undoubtedly prove the importance and magnitude of the agricultural 
resources of the Mexican Eepublic. 

These data we take from the latest "Anuario Estadistico de la 
Eepublica ISlexicana," issued in 1900 by the Department of Public Pro- 
motion, and corresponding to the year 1S99. Undoubtedly they under- 
rate the yearly production of agricultural products, owing to the lack 
of pi-oper officials to collect information in some localities, and to the 
desire of land owners to conceal the extent of these products for the 
purposes of avoiding taxation. 

Duiino- said vear 1809, the total value of agricultural products. 



Agfriculttire 

fermented drinks, and medicinal plants in the Eepnblic was as fol- 
lows: 

Rice $ 2,209,021 

Barley 5,591,533 

Indian corn 72,807,205 

Wheat 17,607,924 

Chickling vetch 427,997 

Beans 7,847,898 

Chick-peas 1,687,439 

Lima beans 1,136,485 

Lentils 98,647 

Sweet potatoes 369,898 

Huacamote 49,834 

Potatoes 1,387,973 

Green peppers 2,420,563 

Dried peppers 1,960,307 

Sugar 13,283,338 

Brown sugar 5,022,500 

Molasses 2,246,450 

Sesame seed 45,502 

Peanuts 344,674 

Linseed 172,585 

Eum 15,748,558 

Pulque 6,196,703 

Unfermented pulque 9,292,578 

Heniquen : 33,227,203 

Ixtle 808,621 

Cotton 4,679,628 

Grape brandy 139,064 

Grape wine 307,225 

Indigo 35,826 

Brazil 145,656 

Campeachey 266,507 

Cascalote 59,092 

Tanning bark 1,557,091 

Cocoa r 689,907 

Coffee 11,065,657 

Tobacco 2,038,897 

Vanilla 868,967 

Chewing gum 502,471 

India rubber 272,821 

Mezquite gum 9,523 

Cocoa gum 9,062 

Jalap 15,830 

Sarsaparilla 7,464 

The exportation of agricultural products is quite large, the aggre- 
gate value of such exportation being $4,046,854.41 for April, 1901, the 
latest month whereof reliable statistical data are at hand. The prin- 
cipal items of such exports were coffee, woods, tobacco, heniquen, and 
ixtle. 

6r 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

Furthermore, we will state that the aggregate values of the expor- 
tation of aericultural products for the iiseal years beginning with 
1892-93 and ending with 1S99-1900, were as follows: 

1S92-93 $24,S5S,SS7 

1893-94 26,689,978 

1S94-90 27,999,998 

1895-9 ■. 25.907,196 

1896-97 28,684.389 

1897-98 34,743,290 

1898-99 40,371,661 

1899-1900 50,939,474 

Thus in eig-ht years the exportation of agricultural products has 
more than doubled. The figures above given more than sufficiently 
attest the growth and prosperity of Mexican agriculture. 




General View Exterior of Ag-rictilture Exhibit 
Agriculture Building 

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition 



IX 

Manufactures 

Mexico cannot be classed among the manufacturing countries, and 
until some years ago only raw materials were supposed to be prodaced 
and raised successfully in the Eepubllc. However, about ten years ago 
the country entered into an era of industrial prosperity, and manu- 
facturing sprang up everywhere throughout the land. This was due 
to the permanent peace the country is enjoying, the increase in its 
railroad mileage, the wise and enlighted administration of public af- 
fairs, the liberal laws enacted to encourage foreign capital, and other 
causes, among which the depreciation of silver may be set down as 
an all important one. 

Cotton factories are to be found in various states, some with most 
extensive plants and employing a large number of operatives. In Julji 
1900 there were 134 of such factories in active operation throughout 
the Kepublic, which gave employment to 27,767 persons; their sales 
during the fiscal year terminating July 30, 1899, amounted to the sum 
of $18,460,348.19. The profits of some of those factories reached as 
high as forty per cent per annum on the investment. 

Woolen mills are also established in various states as Aguascalien- 
tes, Duraugo, Guanajuato, Puebla, and others, and there splendid 
woolen blankets and cassimeres are made. The zarapes, or woolen 
blankets, have achieved considerable reputation, especially those of 
Saltillo and San ]\ligue]. 

Silk weaving may be considered as a growing industry, which ia 
time will become most important. Already, manufactured articles 
from Mexican silks have found quick sales. 

The jute manufactured products, such as cordage, ropes, sacks, 
etc., are daily finding great favor. 

Paper mills are profitable investments owing to this industry be- 
ing protected by the tariff. The oldest paper mill in the Eepublic is 
situated at Cocolapan, near Orizaba, but the more modern mills in 
the Federal District, Puebla, Jalisco, etc., have greatly improved this 
industry. 

There are many flour mills in the Eepnblic, but their output is not 
sufficient to supply the local demand. 

Hammock making is one of the industries, which, especially in 
Yucatan, has attained considerable proportions, and a great part of 
the product is exported to the United States. 

There are a great many foundries m the Eepublic, and some of 
them turn out excellent work. It may be here appropriate to state 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

that the government has a large arsenal and gun foundry at the capi- 
tal, where arms and all kinds of first class munitions of war are made. 
Though tyi3e founding is in its infancy, we may say that printing ma- 
terials are made for home consumption, though the g-reater part of 
the type in use is imported. 

Perhaps one of the industries which is more generally carried on 
in every state is that of pottery manufacture. The leading cities in 
that industry are Guadalajara, Puebla, Zacatecas and Guanajuato. 
Crockery for table use is also manufactured in Mexico, and glassware 
likewise to some extent. 

The manufacture of acids and chemical compounds is attaining 
great imj)ortance, especialh^ in the Federal District. 

Cliocolate, which is a favorite beverage throughout Mexico, is 
manufactured in establishments, some of which have large capital 
invested in this industry. 

Tanneries exist in manj' places and the leather made is of good 
quality. Mexican workers in leather have gained a well-deserved repu- 
tation for the articles they manufacture, saddles especially. The City 
of Leon is one of the principal centers of this industry. 

The collection and exportation of hides, skins, and leathers is an 
industry w'hich has attained considerable importance. 

The manufacture of felt hats is carried on in all cities, while 
straw and x^alm hats are made everywhere in the Eepublic. The arti- 
cles turned out at some hat factories in the cities of Mexico, Puebla, 
and Guadalajara can well compete with the best imported articles of 
a si^nilar character. 

There are several furniture factories in the Kepublic, but the de- 
mand for such articles is so great that large quantities are j^early 
imported. 

Rubber factories, electrical plants, soap, brick, artificial stone, var- 
nish, and starch factories are already established and yearly their 
number increase, as the demand for their output is very large, and 
the profit derived from their establishment is so alluring and solid. 

Several smelting- works are now in operation, and the capital in- 
vested in them amounts up to millions, of dollars. 

Cigar and cigarette factories are numerous, especially in the states 
of Puebla, Guanajuato, Veracruz, and the Federal District. This in- 
dustry is a most xjrofitable one. From July, 1900, to April, 1901, inclu- 
sive, a period of ten months, there were manufactured in the Eepublic 
5,019,820 kilograms of cigarettes, and the number of cigars made was 
95,534,544. In April, 1901, there were 745 cigar and cigarette factories 
in the Republic. The raj)id advancement of this industry is shown by 
the notable increase in the taxes paid by the factories to the govern- 
ment. The amount so paid for the fiscal year 1896-97 was $1,161,480.12; 
for 1897-98, $1,280,729.52; for 1S9S-99, $1,395,212.17, and for 1899-1900, 
$1,551,447.15. 



Manufactures 

Beer and ale manufacturing is also making rapid strides, and in 
1899 there were seventy-two factories of that beverage in the Eepublic. 

During the fiscal year of 1898-99, there were 2211 establishments 
devoted to the manufacture of spirits from maguey, grapes, sugar 
cane, grains, etc., and their output was 39,311,731 liters. 

The pearl industry is quite important in the Territory of Lower 
California; while sponge, abalone, and other shells are collected in 
various parts of the Republic; tortoise fishing having also become 
an industry of some importance. 

Mexico is known the world over for the success attained by its 
people in what may be styled distinctively Mexican industries, such 
as drawn work, filigree jewelry, feather work, rag and wax figure, 
tecali fruits, paper weights, inkstands, etc. Such articles now find 
a ready market abroad, and their exportation is yearly increasing. 

The raising of cattle is another most important industry in the 
Eepublic, and in the northern states and Veracruz and Michoacan 
great advancement has been made in that line. 

During the year 1899, there were slaughtered for home consumption 
764,935 cattle, 790,148 sheep, 617,124 goats, and 659,334 hogs, no refer- 
ence being had to the consumption of the states of Chihuahua and 
Chiapas, as the information relative to the same was not at hand 
when the above totals were prepared. During the six months com- 
prised from January to July, 1900, the exportation of live stock from 
the Eepublic was as follows: 

1,904 horses, valued at $ 67,000 

1,331 sheep and goats, valued at 45,002 

647 hogs, valued at 3,575 

725 mules, valued at 34,160 

83,759 cattle, valued at 2,203,075 

The above figures show how large is the exportation of Mexican 
cattle. During that same period, the value of the importation of ani- 
mals of all kinds to the Eepublic only amounted to $246,291. 

Let us finally say that manufacturing industries in Mexico have 
received lately a great impetus through the utilization of water power 
under liberal concessions from the Federal Government. 



X 

Commerce and Finance 

The growth of Mexican coniiiierce since the advent of General 
Diaz to the presidency, and especially since the year 1893, has been 
reallj' wonderful. The official figures as to exportations of the Re- 
public, and the increase in the revenues of the government, without 
additional taxation, as well as the great increment of Avealth through- 
Dut the countrj', plainly' and unequivocally corroborate that state- 
ment. 

The duties collected for importations since 1893, paid in Mexican 
silver, of course, were as follows: 

Year 1893-94 $15,313,926.59 

" 1891-95 17,738,129.66 

" 1895-96 21,492,211.91 

" 1896-97 21,481,225.93 

" 1897-98 20,963,442.63 

" 1898-99 26,443,847.66 

" 1899-1900 27,696,979.06 

"While the value of such importations declared in gold, was as 
follows: 

1893-94 . .$30,287,489 

1894-95. 34,000,400 

1895-96 42.253,938 

1896-97 42.204,095 

1897-98 43,603,492 

1898-99 50,869,194 

1899-1900 50,869,194 

1899-1900 61,318,175 

Thus it is that the value of the imx^ortations has doubled in a 

period of seven years. 

If we now examine the figures relative to the values of the article 

sent abroad by Mexico, we will notice the same rapid increase. The 

total exportations, which were declared in Mexican silver, were as 

follows: 

1893-94 $ 79,343,287 

1894-95 90,854,953 

1895-96 105,016,902 

1896-97 111,346,494 

1897-98 128,972,749 

1898-99 148,453,834 

1899-1900 ; 158,247,933 

These last figures likewise show that the exportations have 
doubled in the said period of seven years. 

Let us now examine into the class of articles which are mostly 
imported into the Eepublic. and for that purpose we take the following- 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

official figures corresponding to tlie fiscal year of 1899-1900. They are 

as follows: 

Animal industry $4,359,933 

Ag-ricultural products 8,367,184 

Metals and their manufacture 16,555,522 

Fabrics (cotton, wool, etc.) 9,928,361 

Chemical products, drugs, oils, and 

paints 2,450,028 

Wines, liquors, fermented and unfer- 

mented drinks 2,809,986 

Paper and its manufactures 2,126,630 

Machinery and apparatus 9,843,880 

Carriages and wagons 1,392,847 

Arms and explosives 1.715,575 

Sundries 1,768,239 



Total $61,318,175 

The exportations in that fiscal year may also be distributed as 
follows: 

Metals and their manufactures $ 84,988,592 

Vegetable products 50,939,474 

Animal industry 10,633,713 

:Manufactured articles 2,813,687 

Sundries 680,914 

To which is to be added the 

premium on the gold exported... 8,191,573 



Total $158,247,933 

During that same year the countries whose c<:finraerce was most 
active with ^Mexico, were the following: 

Countries. Importations. Exportations. 

United States and colonies. $31,026,435 $116,105,935 

England and colonies 10.973,757 12.659,757 

France and colonies 6,763.398 6.637,765 

Germany 6,673.846 5,049,487 

Cuba 49.637 5,882,029 

Spain 2.919.162 912,173 

Belgium 802.374 1,926,103 

Italy 463,224 83,657 

Austria 414,983 30,000 

Holland and colonies 189.511 237,912 

Guatemala 32,849 238,996 

Thus it may be said that over half of the imported articles Mexico 
receives come from the United States, and that the latter country ab- 
sorbs about thi-ee-fourths of the exports of the Mexican Republic. 

During- the said fiscal year the arrivals and departures of vessels 
at Mexican ports, whether doing an international traffic or coastwise 
trade, was as follows: 

Arrivals — Steamers 5.232 

" Sailing vessels 3.815 

Total 9,047 

7* 



Commerce and Finance 

Departures — Steamers 5,112 

" Sailing vessels 3,801 

Total 8,903 

And the tonnage of the merchandise carried by said vessels was: 

Exportation 1,076,676 tons 

Importation 412,985 " 

Coastwise trade 350,985 " 

Total 1,840,646, tons 

The traffic by rail along the northern frontier, that is, to and 
from the United States, was the following during said fiscal year of 

1899-1900: 

Arrivals 47,592 cars, carrying 645,953 tons 

Departures. 24,471 cars, carrying 242,550 tons 

If we now look into Mexican finances, we may state without fear 
of contradiction that their present condition is most prosperous and 
satisfactory. 

In the able report presented by Secretary Limantour to the 
Chamber of Deputies in December, 1900, we find the following state- 
ment as to the revenues of the fiscal year of 1899-1900, subdivided into 
four groups or classes: 

I. Foreign Commerce Taxes. 

Import duties $27,696,979 . 06 

Export duties 872,996.00 

Two per cent for port investments 550,963.74 

Special port taxes 419,718.32 

Sailing licenses 704 . 00 

Pilot's dues 17,483.05 

Health office receipts 77,157 .51 

Consular fees 298,173 . 67 

Consular and diploiriatic certificates 

abroad 11,617 . 69 

Total $29,945,793 . 04 

II. Interior Federal Taxes. 
Stamp tax comprising — 

Eegular stamps $8,968,326 . 33 

Federal tax 6,401.755 . 51 

Seven per cent on imports 2,086,977 . 69 

Mining tax 814,044 . 20 

Three per cent on gold and silver . . . 2,309,239.20 

Eeal estate tax 10,063 . 00 

Manufactured tobacco 1,395,212.17 

Spirits 880,926 . 93 

Cotton yarn and fabrics 1,367,660.98 

Sundries 96,439 . 29 

Mintage dues and charges 1,367,660.98 

Patent and trade mark dues 6,520.00 

Total $26,201,406.14 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

III. Interior, District and Territorial Taxes. 

Direct taxes on real estate, professions, 

business houses, flour and pulque.. $2,947,393.34 

Inheritance tax 332,921.66 

Other taxes 315.91 

Total $3,280,630.91 

lY. Public Services and Minor Sources. 

Postal service $1,860,105.86 

Telegraph service 1,087,520 . 34 

Tehuantepec Railway 106,025 . 80 

Lottery' and sundries 1,779,594.30 

Total $4,833,246.30 

The above gives a grand total of revenue of $64,261,076.39 for the 
said fiscal year. 

The proa'ressive increase in the revenues of the Mexican Govern- 
ment has been as follows: 

Fiscal vear 1895-96 $50,521,470.42 

'" 1896-97 ■ 51,500,628.75 

" " 1897-98 52.697,981.55 

" 1898-99 60,139,212.84 

" 1899-1900 64,261,076.39 

The estimated expenditures for the .year 1900-01, as proposed by the 
Secretary of the Treasury, and then modified by the Chamber of 
Deputies in jMay, 1901, are as follows: 

Legislative power $1,130,983.30 

Executive power 183,986.84 

Judicial power 537,368.20 

Department of Foreign Kelatioas 755,127.25 

Department of the Interior 4,852,778.10 

Department of Justice and Public In- 
struction 2,889,677.50 

Department of Promotion, Colonization 

and Industry 996.686.16 

Department of Communications and 

Public Works 8,699,840.09 

Department of Finance and Public 

Credit 28,205,411.55 

Department of War and Navy 14,023,242 . 84 

Total $62,275,101 . 83 

Since 1895, there has always been a balance left in the treasury at 
the end of every fiscal year after all expenses have been paid. The 
accumulated balances at the end of the fiscal year of 1899-90 amounted 
to the large sum of $31,799,921.14. These figures satisfactorily prove 
the healthy condition of the public treasury in the Mexican Eepublic. 

The public debt of Mexico was as follows at the end of the fiscal 
year of 1899-1900: 

i» 




Front View of Manofacttires Exhibit 
Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building 

M«sico at th« Pan-American E:spos(tion 



/ 



Commierce and Finance 

Debt payable in gold $115,178,612.00 

Debt payable in silver 123,118,982.20 

Floatins" debt paj'able in silver and 

bearing no interest 1,015,836.24 

$239,313,430.44 

The interest on the pnblic debt has always been punctually paid, 
even in those years, now fortunately gone by, when some difficulties 
were experienced in meeting all the expenses of the government. 
The foreign gold bearing debt, through a skillful operation of the 
Secretarjr of the Treasury, was lately converted into a five per cent 
loan, w'hile formerly the g-overnment securitie-s issued on account of 
said debt were bearing- six per cent. 

In connection with the finances of the country, we may take a 
cursory glance into coinage, currency, and banking in Mexico. Owing 
to the liberal provisions of the laws of Mexico, the production of 
precious metals has greatly increased. A portion of the output of 
the mines is exported, while the rest, with exception of whatever 
may be used in the arts, is coined at the various mints of the Ee- 
public. These were first established in 1537. Up to seven years ago 
there were thirteen mints in the country, but owing to increased 
facilities for the transportation of bullion and for other reasons, the 
number of s^i ch e stabli shmen ts has been reduced to four; one is 
situated at the City of ]\[exico; another at Guanajuato; a third one at 
Zacatecas; and still' another at Culiacan. Besides these, there are 
g-overnment assay offices at various other cities of the Republic. 

During the fiscal j-ear of 1899-1900 the coinage effected by the 
mints amounted to $18,723,726, while the value of the exportation of 
gold, silver, and copper in money, bars, ai-id in ores, amounted to 
$80,888,926. 

Practicallj^ there is no g'old in circulation in the Republic, the 
circulating medium being silver and copper fractionary coins and 
bank notes issued by banks duly authorized for such purposes. Their 
paper is not legal tender, and it is covered by large deposits of coins. 
The g-overnment issues no paper money. 

On the 30th day of April, 1901, there were twent^'-four banks in 
operation in the Republic, duly organized under the banking laws. 
Their financial standing was as follows: 

ASSETS. 

Unsubscribed capital $5,452,450.00 

Cash on hand . . ." 56,429,472.46 

Bills receivable 91,712,252.36 

Loans and pei-sonal properly 34.474,676.29 

Hypothecary loans ". 10,076,450.89 

Loans on real estate 3,027,436.59 

Public funds 3,070,324.35 

Current debts or accounts 52,115,844.85 

Real estate 1,953,235 . 47 

Total $258,312,143.24 

8.S 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

LTABILITlEvS. 

Authorized capital $77,a00,00O.00 

Bills in circulation 61,855,281.25 

Mortg^age bonds in circulation S, fill, 600. 00 

Ca.sh bonds in circulation 709,300.00 

Sio-ht deposits 4.317,265.25 

Other deposits 6,795,876.05 

Current credit accounts S4.998.9r)S.10 

IJeserve fund 10,271.335.93 

Surplus fund 2,452,516.66 

Total $258,312,143.24 

The four princii^al banks of the Eepublic are the National Bank 
of :Mexico, the International and Mortgage Bank, the London and 
Mexico Bank and the Central Bank, having- their main offices at the 
City of Mexico and branch offices in different cities of the Republic. 
The oldest banking institution is the Monte de Piedad (National Loan 
Office), AVhich was established in 1775. In former times itcouliissue- 
notes^— ft4: pvc.^ »»nt it merely effects loans on pledges, at moderate rates 
of interest, under supervision of the government, and does a business 
of more than $1,000,000, distributed among 60,000 persons. 

The banking institutions now in operation in the Eepublic are 

in a most flourishing condition, but the demand for increased facili- 
ties are so i^reat and legal provisions relative to such institutions are 

of so liberal a nature, that new banks are being established in various 
parts of the Eeijublic. and the business of the old ones is increasing 

very rapidly. 



84 



XI 

Means of Communication 

It was in 1873 that the entire line of the Mexican Eailway, from 
Veracruz to the City of Mexico/was inaugairated; but what may be 
called the "railroad era" of the Mexican Eepublic did not really begin 
until General Diaz became President, in 1876. From 1877 to 1882 
Mexico constructed more miles of railways than any other Latin 
American country, and thereafter the increase in railroad mileag-e 
has been steady and uninterrupted. 

At the end of 1896 there were 11,469 kilometers of road, or 7,053 
miles, while at the present time the railway lines aggregate 15,454 
kilometers, or say 9,600 miles. In 1897 the number of passengers car- 
ried was 27,470,296; in 1898, 30,809,624; and in 1899, 36,037,447; ^vhile 
the freight transported amounted in 1897 to 5,936,852 tons; in 1898 to 
6,329,029 tons; and in 1899 to 7,267,067 tons. The gross earnings of the 
roads were $36,747,658.12 in 1897, $40,225,981.95 in 1898, and $46,374,334.94 
in 1899. Most of the roads were built, after obtaining large subsidies 
from the Government, ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per kilometer. 

At the present time, the railway system of Mexico connects the 
capital with the leading cities of the Eepublic, also with some of the 
most important seaports on the Gulf of Mexico, and with the United 
States. In point of fact now the trip by rail from B\ifealo, New York 
or Washington to the City of Mexico, or other principal Mexican 
cities, is as rapid, safe, commodious and agreeable as a trip to some 
of the western cities or those of the Pacific Coast of the United 
States. 

The leading railways of the Eepublic are: 

The Mexican Eailway, broad-gauge, which, as already stated, was 
the first road built in Mexico. It has branches to Puebla and 
Pachuea, and is considered one of the most picturesque roads in the 
world, especially the portion comprised between Veracruz and Ori- 
zaba. 

The Mexican Central is the longest road, the whole of the main 
line connecting El Paso, Texas, with the City of Mexico, was opened 
to traffic in April, 1884. Since then branches have been built to 
Guadalajara. Ameca, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, and Pachuea. It 
crosses some of the most important states, and reaches Chihuahua, 
Zacatecas, Aguascalie&tes^Leon, Trapuato, Celaya, Queretaro, Guada- 
lajara, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Pachuea, and other important cities. 
The Interoceanic Eailway is a narrow-gauge road which ulti- 
mately will connect Veracruz and Acapulco. It has completed the 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

road from Veracruz to the City of ]\[exico. passing through Puebla 
and Jalapa, and has built a portion from the capital towards Acapulco. 

The Mexican National Eailroad, also narrow-gauge, is the shortest 
line between the City of Mexico and the United States, which it enters 
at Laredo. Corpus Christi, Texas, is the northern terminus of the 
line. It has branches to Patzcuaro, El Salto, and other points. 

The Mexican International Eailway is a broad-gauge line, built 
w'ithout a subsidy, and commences at Ciudad Porfirio Diaz, opiiosite 
Eagle Pass, Texas. It reached Torreon in 1888, and was completed to 
the Cit3' of Durango in October, 1S92. It has also several branches. 

The IMonterey and Mexican Gulf Eailway, now owned by a Bel- 
gian company', extends from Trevino in the State of Coahuila and 
g'oes as far as Tamjiico, passing through ^lonterej' and Ciudad Vic- 
toria. 

The Mexico, Cuernavaca and Pacific Eailway, which also it is in- 
tended shall reach Acapulco, has gone beyond Cuernavaca, and is also 
considered a most picturesque road. In point of fact the scenery 
along most of the railroads in Mexico is most interesting and attrac- 
tive. 

The National Interoceanic Tehuantex^ec Eailroad connects the At- 
lantic and Pacific oceans at the Isthmus of Te huantepec , its termini 
being the Port of Salina Cruz on the 'Pacific Ocean and that of 
Coatzacoalcor on the Gulf of Mexico. It is being rebuilt and repaired 
by an English company, and the two ports mentioned are being im- 
proved at great expense. 

There are other railways, especialh'^ in the State of Yucatan, 
which might be described if our limited s^jace would permit it. All 
those lines, and the new ones to be constructed, are regulated by the 
new railway law promulgated Aj)ril 29, 1899. 

All the leading cities of the Eepublic have street car lines or tram- 
way's. These are very extensive in the Federal District, where electric 
traction was inaugurated in 1900. In December, 1898, there were over 
501 kilometers of said tramway lines in the Eepublic. 

There is no state capital or fairly important town in ^Mexico which 
is not connected Ijv telegraph with the outside world. The telegraph 
services may be divided into federal telegraph lines, railway telegraphs, 
lines belonging to private individuals or companies, and state lines. 
On January ]. 1900, the entire telegraph system, in round numbers, 
was as follows: 

Kilometers. 

Federal lines 45,103 

State lines 8,557 

Private lines 3,690 

Eailroad lines 11.198 

Total 68,548 

That is a grand total of over 68,500 kilometers, or 42,53S miles. 

S6 



9<3 13* 




Means of Communication 

In December, 1900, the extension of the federal lines amounted to 
45,740 kilometers and the increase in revenue from that branch of the 
service had been remarkable. The number of messages lately trans- 
mitted throug-h said lines had been: 

Fiscal year of 1896-97 1,559,450 

Fiscal year of 1897-98 1,765,758 

Fiscal year of 1898-99 1,978,280 

Fiscal year of 1899-1900 2,241,859 

Mexico has also an efficient cable service vi^hich places it in direct 
communication v\-ith the United States and Europe. 
^ Telephone service in the Republic is excellent. On January 1, 

1900, the total extent of the telephonic system in Mexico, in round 
numbers, was as follows: 

Kilometers. 

State citj lines 914 

State suburban lines 7,040 

Private city lines 3,740 

Private suburban lines 6,630 

Mexican Telephone Company 3,260 

Eailroad telephones 1,739 

Private suburban lines, for private use 7,005 

Total 30,328 

Thus giving- a total of 30,328 kilometers, or say 18,834 miles. ^ 

Since 1877 the establishment of steamship lines has been greatlj^ 
encouraged by granting special concessions or subsidies. In January, 
1899, there were twenty-three steamship lines having contracts with 
the Government for carrying mails, of which eleven were Mexican, 
five American, four English, one Spanish, one German, and one French. 
The leading ports of the Eepublic are therefore in constant and rapid 
communication with the principal countries of Europe and America. 

The postal service in the Eepublic is now very efficient, and has 
been greatly improved from year to year. The following data will 
fully prove this statement: 

In 1896, there were 1,500 postoffices in the Eepublic, while in 1900 
the number of such offices was 1,972. 

The movement of interior postal matter has been as follows: 

Pieces. 

Fiscal year, 1896-97 77,819,334 

Fiscal year, 1897-98 86,821,020 

Fiscal year, 1898-99 92,189,270 

Fiscal year, 1899-1900 99,714,426 

While the international postal service was as follows: 

Pieces. 

Fiscal year, 1896-97 23,48.3,863 

Fiscal year, 1897-98 26,024,464 

Fiscal year, 1898-99 30,256,582 

Fiscal year, 1899-1900 34,922,683 

S9 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

The revenues of that branch of the public service have likewise in- 
creased, and were as follows: 

Fiscal year, 1896-97 $1,247.14-1.22 

Fiscal year, 1897-98 1,407.17S.0.J 

Fiscal vear, 1898-99 1.596,477.10 

Fiscal year, 1899-1900 ] .S71.09S.44 

Of course, the service of certified letters, parcels, and postal 
money orders (the latter having- been extended to the United States in 
January, 1900,) is well established and gives most satisfactory results. 
The postal orders transmitted in the Eepublic during the fiscal year of 
1896-97 amounted to $924,406.89; in 1897-98 to $1,212,217.82; in 1898-99 to 
$3,323,510.63; while in 1899-1900, they rose to $5,112,388.37. 

Finally, we may state that in December, 1900. the extension of all 
postal routes was 91,048 kilometers, or 56,540 miles. 



XII 

Public Instruction— Religion— Arts and 
Sciences— Army and Navy 

Public instruction has made rapid strides in the Mexican Eepublic 
.-luring- the past few years, and more especially since 1897, when the 
law making- compulsory education went into efPect. Under that law 
primary elementary education in the Federal District and the terri- 
tories was Dlaced under the exclusive control of the Executive, pre- 
paratory education was made irniform for all professions and profes- 
sional education Avas reorganized making- it only relate to such techni- 
cal matters as pertain to the professions to which each special estab- 
lishment is devoted. In the states the state g-overnments defray the 
expenses of public education either with funds appropriated for that 
purpose or with the funds of municipalities. 

The following- statistical data shows the condition of public educa 
tion throughout the Eepublic on January I, 1900: 

Number of schools 9 271 

Students enrolled 669'941 

Average monthlj' attendance 463^095 

As to private educational establishments, we have the following 
rigures for that same date: 

Number of schools 2 560 

Students enrolled 134'987 

Average monthly attendance 103'955 

The total expenses made for the support of federal, state and 
municipal schools in 1899 amounted to $4,720,062. 

The Federal Government, beside maintaining in the City of 
Mexico and in the territories a large number of primary normal 
schools, has under its control most important institutions for profes- 
sional education and technical schools. To those existing in the capi- 
tal of the Eepublic we shall now make passing reference. 

The National School of Medicine, whose organization dates back 
from 1768, is now housed in the building occupied by the Inquisition 
before the establishment of the Eepublic. This school has the repu- 
tation of being one of the best institutions of its class. The National 
School of Engineering, formerly called the School of Mines, partly 
occttpies the magnificent building which contains the of3fices of the 
Department of Promotion, and that was erected at a cost of three 
millions of dollars. This educational establishment is among the best 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

in the Latin-American Republics. The >»ational Conservatory oi 
Music and Elocution occupies the edifice of the first university in 
America, founded by the Spanish Kings in 1551. The National Acad- 
emy of Fine Arts, formerly called the Academy of San Carlos, stands 
where Fray Pedro de Grante established, in 1524, the first school of the 
New World. The National Preparatory School, with its numerous 
students, serves as the threshold to all professional studies. The 
National School of Jurisprudence is also one of the institutions which 
worthily fulfils the object of its org-anization. We may also mention 
the National School of Commerce and Administration, the School for 
the Blind, the School for the Deaf and Dumb, and several reformatory 
and industrial schools, etc., which fully demonstrate the extent and 
importance of professional education in the capital of the Eepublic. 
And here we may add that in the various states there are also public 
educational institutions where all may follow a professional career, 
free of charge, and under competent instrtictors. 

Among- other institutions pertaining to or connected with the 
branch of public education, we may state that on January 1. 1900, 
there were throughout the Republic thirty-three museums, one hun- 
dred and thirty-five libraries, fortj- scientific and literary associations 
and seven hundred and two periodical publications, distributed as 
follows: Federal District, 202; State of Aguascalientes, 8; Lower Cali- 
fornia, — ; Campeche, 4; Coahuila, 20; Colima, 11; Chiapas, 5; Chihua- 
hua, 29; Durango, 17; Guanajuato, 28; Guerrero, 3; Hidalgo, 4; Jalisco, 
58; Mexico, 17; Michoacan, 36; Morelos, 4; Nuevo Leon, 21; Oaxaca. 11; 
Puebla, 25; Queretaro, 1; San Luis Potosi, 15; Sinaloa, 9; Sonora, IS; 
Tabasco, 18; Tamaulipas, 27; Tepic, 8; Tlaxcala, 1; Veracruz. 4S; 
Yucatan, 36; and Zacatecas 14. Of such publications six hundred and 
fifty-nine are printed in the Spanish language; twentj'-one in English; 
four in French; one in German; sixteen in English and Spanish; and 
one in several lang-uages; there being sixty-four dailies, three hundred 
and twenty-seven weeklies, one hundred and nineteen monthlies, and 
the rest published at various other stated periods. 

As is well known, the prevailing religion in the ISIexican Republic 
is the Roman Catholic, but there is no connection between church 
and state, and the Federal Constitution guarantees the free exercise 
of all religions. Many of the buildings erected by the Catholic clergy, 
both before and after tlie colonial period, are splendid specimens of 
architecture and their interiors are magnificently decorated, the 
cathedrals of the City of Mexico, of Puebla, of Guadalajara, and others, 
being among the most admirable structures of their class in the 
American continent^ Statistics show that there are 10,112 Catholic 
churches and chapels in the Republic and that the number of Pro- 
testant places of worship is 119. 

The army in Mexico has lately attained a high degree of discipline 
and efficiency, due to the proper re-organization given to it during the 
administration of President Diaz. Furthermore, the Department of 



Public Instruction — Religfion — Arts and Sciences, etc. 

War and Navy, under the able direction of Secretary Bernardo Eeyes, 
lias recently introduced many notable improvements in the service. 

In 1899 the personnel of the regular army was as follows: 

Generals 62 

Commissioned officers 944 

Non-commissioned officers 2,471 

Soldiers 27,247 

Total 30,724 

The navy consists only of several gun boats, lighthouse dispatches 
aj:(I training ships. 



o 



GO 

O r-h 




xin 
Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners 

To the colonist, to the settler, and to the investor, some of the 
most important laws of Mexico are those which relate to the acquisi- 
tion of public lands, to colonization, and to patents and trade marks. 
It may therefore be not amiss to take a cursory g-lance at such legis- 
lation. 

All lands in the Eepublic which have not been duly dedicated to 
public use, or that have not been granted as a lien or for a pecuniary 
consideration to some individual or corporation authorized to acquire 
such property, are public lands, and any inhabitant of the Republic 
has the rig-ht to claina up to two thousand, five hundred hectares, and 
no more, of such lands, excepting- persons born in countries along- the 
boundaries of the Eepublic, and those naturalized therein, who cannot 
acquire them in the state bounded thereon. The Supreme Govern- 
ment publishes every two years the price of public lands in each 
state, district, and territory. The price of public lands is to be paid, 
two-thirds in cash and the rest in bonds of the public national or 
foreig-n debt. There are certain cases specified in the law in which 
a reduction may be made on the price of public lands. Owners of 
public lands are obliged to keep in some place within their property, 
and during ten years computed from the time when they were 
granted, an inhabitant at least for each two hundred hectares granted. 
Petitions for claims of public lands should be presented to the judge 
of first instance who has jurisdiction of federal cases in the judicial 
district wherein the public lands may be situated. When the petition 
is presented, the survey and plot shall be made by a professional ex- 
pert, or by a practical expert, if the former is wanting, who m^ay be 
appointed by the judge. After the survey and plat of the land shall 
have been made, an investig-ation shall take place at the office, under 
whose jurisdiction such public lands may be, to ascertain whether 
the Government is in full possession of the land claimed. If it should 
be, and no contestant appears, the adjudication and ownership of the 
property shall be decreed to the claimant, without further proceed- 
ings; but if there be a contestant, the judicial proceedings pending 
between the claimant and the contestant shall first be decided; a 
representative of the Federal Treasury to be likev\dse a party to such 
proceedings. If the Government should not have possession of the 
public lands, the claim or denouncement shall be published three times 
— once every ten days — in the newspapers and by notices fixed in 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

public places. If no contestant appears, the atljiidlcation of the prop- 
erty should be decreed, not as absolute proj)erty, but as bj' possessory 
title; but if a contestant appears, proper proceedings must be 
previ'Ouslv instituted as between the claimant and the contestant, a 
representative of the Federal Treasury likewise to appear as a party 
to the proceedings. A judicial decree relating to the adjudication or 
concession of public lands whether for possessory title or ownership, 
shall not be carried into effect until it is first approved by the Depart- 
ment of Public Promotion. When such approval is obtained, and tlie 
party concerned has presented a certificate showing that he has paid 
into the corresponding office the value of the land, in conformity with 
the price list or schedule of the two-year period within which the 
claim was made, the judge shall caiise to be delivered to him the land 
and the titles of ownership or possession. The adjudication and de- 
livery of possession g'ives ownership as well against the Government as 
against the contestants who may have appeared in the litigation; but 
as far as third parties are concerned the ownership in this class of 
jiidgments or adjudication, can onlj^ be acquired h\ limitation or 
other legal title. 

Any siispension in the proceedings instituted by virtue of the 
denouncement or claim, due to the fault of the claimant, whether it 
should consist in not making- the necessary expenses, in remaining 
absent without leaving an attorney under pay, in not pushing the 
proceedins's which should be instituted, or in any other way, shall 
give right to the contestant to ask that a time be set. which shall not 
exceed six days, within which such proceedings shall be prosecuted. 
If that is not done, it shall be decreed that the claim has been aban- 
doned and the dilatory claimant shall not be able to claim the same 
public lands ag-ain. If no motion is made by the contestant, the judge 
on his own motion shall set the time already mentioned. 

The expenses of measurements, survey, delivery of possession, and 
any other that may be incurred, shall be on account of the claimant. 
It may be stated that public lands are classified as follows: 

Lands of the first class are those which, owing to their situation 
and favorable elements for agriculture or operation of some industry, 
deserve to be considered as such; that is, lands adjoining towns of 
some importance, or to railroads, or rivers; those which may be irri- 
gated and are suitable for an easy and remunerative cultivation; those 
having trees of precious woods; those having orchilla or some dyeing 
productions, and those containing minerals or salts. Lands of the 
second class are those of a single crop, those that are naore distant 
than those of the first class from means of communication, and those 
that are suitable for cattle raising, or that can be rendered productive 
with little cost, be it for agriculture or for any other industry. And 
lands of the third class are those that, owing to their inferiority, be it 
throug-h the qualitj' of the land, or for their g'reat distance fiv)m 



Laws of Special Interest to Foreigfners 

meaixs of communication, or from the centers of consumption, or 
throug-h their situation exposed to iniindations, cannot be considered 
as comprised "within the first and second classes. 

The law of colonization contains equally liberal provisions. They 
are substantially as follows: 

In order to be considered a colonist and have the right to the 
franchises g-ranted by the law. it is necessary that the foreig-n immi- 
grant shall bring to the Kepublic a certificate of the consular ag-ent of 
immig-ration executed at the request of the very immig-rant, or of the 
companjr or corporation authorized bj^ the Executive to bring- colon- 
ists to the Republic. The petitioners must present certificates of the 
appropriate authorities, certifying* to their g-ood habits and the occu- 
pation which they may have followed before making their petition to 
be admitted as colonists. 

Colonists shall enjoy for a period of ten years, computed from the 
date of their establishment, the following exemptions: From military 
service; from all kinds of taxes, except municipal; from the duties of 
importation and interior dues on provisions, wherever there shall 
not be any, agricultural implements, tools, machines, materials of 
construction for dwellings, furniture in use, and animals for breeding 
and procreation purposes, intended for the colonies; from the expor- 
tation duties on the fruits that they maj^ gather; and from the pay- 
ment of fees for the legalization of signatures and issuance of pass- 
ports issued by consular agents. Such colonists are also entitled to 
premiums for notable labors and bounties and special protection for 
the introduction of new methods of cultivation or new industries. 
The Department of Public Promotion shall determine the amount and 
kind of articles that in each case may be introduced free from the 
Xjajanent of duties, and the Treasury Department shall reg-ulate the 
manner of making- the importations. 

Colonies shall be established under the municipal system, subject 
however as to the election of their authorities and as to the levjdng 
and collecting taxes, to the general laws of the Eepublic and of the 
states where they may be at the time. 

Every foreign immigrant who may settle in a colony shall declare, 
prior to his settling, before a federal agent of colonization or be- 
fore a competent notary or judge, whether he has the intention of 
preserving- his nationality, or whether he desires to be naturalized. 
Colonists shall be considered as having .all the rights and obligations 
that in their case the Federal Constitution grants or imposes on 
Mexicans and foreigners, and enjoy the temporary exemptions that 
the law gives them; but in all questions that may arise, they shall be 
subject to the decision of the courts of the Eepublic with the entire 
exclusion of any foreign interference. 

Colonists may acquire lands, not to exceed two thousand, five hun- 
dred hectares, under the following- conditions: 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

I. By sale, at the price of appraisement, made by the engineers 
and approved by the Department of Public Promotion, payable in 
installments in ten years, beg-inning from the second year after the 
establishment of the colonist. II. By sale, upon the payment of the 
full price in cash, or in shorter stated terms than those above stated. 
III. As a ffift. when the colonist shall demand it, but in that ease 
the amount of land shall not exceed one hundred hectares, nor shall 
he obtain the title of ownership unless he proves that he has held it in 
his possession and has cultivated the whole or not less than one-tenth 
of its extent during five consecutive years. 

Colonists who may abandon, without duly justified cause, for more 
than one year, and before they may have paid for, the lands that shall 
have been granted to them by sale, shall lose the right to said lands 
and to the portion of the purchase price that they may have advanced, 
and in case of the lands being granted as a gift, the right to a free 
title shall be lost, by abandoning the land or leaving it without culti- 
vation for a period of six months, without a justified cause. 

In places dedicated by the Federal Government to new towns, 
there shall be granted free one lot to the Mexican or foreign colonist 
who may wish to establish himself thereon, as founder, but he will 
not acquire the ownership of said lot until he shall justify that before 
the two years of his settlement he had built a dwelling thereon; other- 
wise he shall lose the right of ownership. 

The Executive may assist the colonists or immigrants, as deemed 
convenient, with reference to the expenses of their transportation and 
their baggage, and may provide them with tools, seeds, materials for 
construction, and animals for labor and breeding purposes. 

The Executive may authorize companies for the measurement, sur- 
vey, subdivision, appraisement, and description of public lands, and 
for the transportation of colonists and their settlement in the same 
lands. These companies shall always be considered as Mexicans and 
must have their place of domicile in some one of the cities of the 
Republic, without prejudice to their having offices abroad, and are 
obliged to establish a part of their Board of Directors in Mexico or to 
have one or more representatives in the Republic fully empowered to 
enter into agreements with the Executive and all questions that may 
arise between the Government and the companies shall be settled by 
the courts of the Republic and in conformity with its laws, without 
there being any rights of foreign diplomatic interference. The 
companies shall have similar privileges and franchises as those granted 
to individual colonists, and as are established in the law for coloniza- 
tion. 

In conformity with the law above described, which was approved 
December 15, 1883, the Department of Public Promotion issued on 
July 17, 1889, the regulations for the importation of articles belong- 
ing to colonists, which are extremely liberal. The law which regu- 



Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners 

lates the issuance of letters-patent for inventions was approved on 
June 7, 1890, and amended on June 2, 1896. 

Under said law any Mexican or foreigner, who is an inventor or 
improver of any industry or art or objects destined therefor, may 
obtain a patent, which may be granted for twenty years, but if the 
articles or processes patented are already protected by foreig-n 
patents, the term of its duration cannot exceed what may be wanting 
for the exciration of the first patent issued in favor of the petitioner. 
The term of the patent may be extended for five years at the discre- 
tion of the Executive. An invention or improvement cannot be con- 
sidered new under the law, if in Mexico or abroad, and prior to the 
petition for the patent, it may have received sufficient publicity, unless 
such publicity has been made by a foreign authority empowered to 
issue patents or the invention or improvement has been presented in 
expositions held in Mexico, or abroad. Inventions or iniprovemen.ts 
whose working shall be contrary to the laws forbidding them or to 
public security and scientific principles or discoveries of a merely 
speculative power, or that cannot be put into practice by means of a 
machine, apparatus, instruments, mechanical or chemical proceedings 
of a practical industrial character, shall not be patentable. 

The right of petitioning for a patent on objects or processes that 
may be protected by foreign patents can only be granted to the in- 
ventors or improvers or to their legitimate representatives. Appro- 
priation of patents for the piiblic good may be made under certain 
circumstances stated in the law, but always upon payment of a fair 
indemnity. 

In order to obtain a patent, application must be made therefor in 
due form to the Department of Public Promotion. The first applicant 
shall have in his favor the presumption of being the first inventor, 
and moreover enjoys the right of possession. 

Inventors, whether citizens or foreigners, who are unable to apply 
personally to the Department of Public Promotion, may appoint at- 
torneys-in-fact to act for them, both in obtaining the patent and in 
law suits and other matters relative thereto. Citizens and foreigners 
residing in the Eepnblic may appoint an attorney-in-fact by a common 
letter of authorization, but those residing abroad must grant a regular 
power of attorney duly registered. 

The petitions for the granting of letters patent shall be published 
in the Official Journal of the Federal Government, during a period of 
two months, and at intervals of ten days, and during that period in- 
terference proceedings may be instituted by any one with a view to 
prevent the granting of the patent, but after said period has elapsed 
no proceedings of interference •will be allowed. These proceedings 
can only be instituted on the ground that the alleged invention or 
improvement is not properly patentable under the provisions of the 
law, or that such invention or improvement had been taken from de- 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

scriptions, dravving-s, models, devices, apparatuses, or methods in- 
vented by another, or from processes already reduced to practice by 
another, or, in o-eneral, on the g'round that the applicant is not the 
original inventor or his legitimate assignee. If two or more persons 
claim the same invention, the first inventor shall be entitled to the 
patent, but if prioritj^ of invention cannot be determined the patent 
shall be granted to the first petitioner. 

If interference proceedings be instituted, the Department of Pub- 
lic Promotion summons the parties and endeavors to reconcile their 
couflicting claims, but if this is not obtained, the Department sus- 
pends all further executive proceedings and transmits all the proofs 
in the case to the jjroper judicial authority, and then the party insti- 
tuting the proceedings is allowed two months to make good his action 
in court, but if he fail to do so within that time his claim shall be dis- 
allowed. 

At the expiration of the period of two months alreadj^ mentioned 
and after the due payment of the Government tax, the letters patent 
shall be issued, provided others covering the same invention shall not 
have been previously granted by the Department of Public Promotion. 
Letters patent shall require the payment of a fee amounting to 
from fifty to one hundred dollars payable in Mexican dollai's or in 
bonds of the National Consolidated debt, and in case of an extension 
a new fee shall be paid. 

The owner of a patent must prove to the satisfaction of the De- 
l>artment of Public Promotion at the end of each five years of the 
life of a patent, in order to preserve it for another like period, that 
he has made to the General Treasury of the Federation at the end of 
the first five years a payment of $50, at the end of ten years a pay- 
ment of $75. and at the expiration of fifteen years a payment of $100; 
and the term within which these payments must be proven will be 
two months next succeeding the expiration of the five years' period, 
and cannot be extended. 

Proceedings may be instituted to declare the nullity or lapse of 
patents in conformity with the law, and the determination of nullity 
and lapse produce the effect of subjecting the inventions or im- 
provements to the use thereof by the public in general. 

The ownjprshtip in letters patent may be assigned by any of the 
means established by law with regard to private property, but no act 
of assignment or any other that implies the modification of the right 
of property, shall be prejudicial to the rights of third parties, if the 
same shall not be recorded in the office of the Department of Public 
Promotion. 

The trade-mark law of Mexico was passed November 2S, 1889, and 
amended in one particular only, on December 17, 1897. 

It provides that any proprietor of a trade-mark, whether a citi- 
zen or a foreigner, residing in Mexico or abroad, may acquire the ex- 



o 







Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners 

elusive rig-ht to the use of the same in the Republic, subject to th 
provisions of the law, biit the protection granted includes only ar- 
ticles manufactured or sold in Mexico. 

In order to aequire the exclusive ownership of a trade mark, the 
party concerned will apply personally, or by means of a representa- 
tive, to the Department of Public Promotion, stating that he reserves 
his rights. The application should state the name of the factory, its 
location, the residence of the owner, and the kind of trade or industry 
in which the applicant desires to employ the trade mark, and must be 
accorapanied by the following documents: A power of attorney, 
granted to the attorney-in-fact, in case the party concerned does not 
appear in person; two copies of the trade mark or of an engraved or 
photographic reproduction thereof; and in case that ttie trade mark 
is in intafflio or in relief on the articles manufactured, or has some 
other peculiarity, two separate sheets will also be forwarded on which 
these details will appear, either by means of one or more drawings 
or a written description. 

The person who may have first made legal use of a trade mark is 
the only one who can apply to aeqtiire ownership thereof, and in case 
of a contest between two owners of the same mark, the ownership 
will rest in the first possession, or in case possession cannot be proven, 
in the first applicant. 

A trade mark owned by a foreigner not residing in the Republic, 
cannot be registered therein, unless previously and regularly regis- 
tered abroad. 

Trade marks may only be transferred with the establishments for 
whose manufacture of trade they serve as a distinctive device; the 
transfer, however, is not subject to any special formality and will be 
carried into effect according to the ordinary provisions of law. The 
duration of the ownership of a trade mark is indefinite, but the right 
will be considered as abandoned by the closing or failure to produce, 
for more than a year, of the establishment, factory or business em- 
ploying the same. 

It may be not amiss to make reference in this chapter to a law 
which was approved on December 14, 1898, which is of interest to 
investors of new enterprises in the Mexican Republic. By virtue of 
that law the Executive is authorized, for the term of five years, reck- 
oned from the date of its promulgation, to enter into contracts granl^ 
ing franchises and concessions, without prejudice to third parties, to 
enterprises that shall guarantee the investment and development of 
new industries, subject to the following condition: 

I. The term of the franchise and concessions to be, from five to 
ten years, according to the importance of the industry and the amount 
of capital invested therein. 

II. The minimum capital to be invested in the establishment and 
exploitation of an industry shall be one hundred thousand dollarB 
(Mexican currency), and shall apply to the minimum franchise. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

III. The said industry sh;ill be exempt from all direct federal 
taxes during- the full term of the contract, excepting- revenue stamps. 

IV. The concessionaii-es may import, once onl3', free of customs 
duties, such machinery, apparatus, tools, and building- materials, as 
may be necessary to establish the industry and the erection of build- 
ings, after inspection by the Department of Public Promotion, and 
the execution of a bond in everj^ case of introduction to be cancelled 
as soon as the machinery is erected, and the iise to which the apppara- 
tus or material is to be put, is proven. 

V. The said concessionaires to guarantee the performance of 
their contracts by a deposit in securities of the public debt to be 
determined by the Department of Public Pi'omotion, which shall be 
made upon the signing of the contract. 

YI. The concessionaires to defray the cost of the stamps to be 
affixed to the contract upon signing said document. 

And finally, the importation privileges granted unnder said law are 
to be regulated by the Departments of the Treasury and of Public Pro- 
motion. 

It may be stated that by virtue of the law above described several 
important concessions have been granted by the Mexican governmenT, 
and thereby various new and valuable enterprises have been estab- 
lished in the Pepublic. 



XIV 

Mexico at Other Expositions 

The first international exposition in whicli Mexico toolv part in 
an official manner may be stated to be the Philadelphia Centennial 
Exposition, held in 1876, to commemorate the bnndredtli anniversary 
of the independence of the United fitates. Although the public treas- 
ury was not at the time in a flourishing condition and the country 
was part of the time in a state of political perturbation, the Mexican 
exhibits were greatly admired and the press published favorable 
criticisms reg-arding- tbem, while the niimber of premiums obtained 
were commensni-ate with the importance and extent of the Mexican 
department. 

The Cotton Centennial held at the City of New Orleans towards 
the end of 1SS4 and beginning of 1885, was the next international ex- 
position in which Mexico took a prominent part. The Commissioner- 
General was General Poriirio Diaz, now President of the Eepublic, 
and he labored with great zeal to make the Mexican department a 
great success. The Mexican exhibit then occupied spaces in the Main 
Building, in the Gallery of Fine Arts, in the Agricultural Building, and 
in the Women's Building. Besides, Mexico erected a beautiful iron and 
glass octagonal pavilion, wherein her mineral exhibit was placed, and 
a large rectangular building which contained the barracks for the 
fine band and the military contingent sent by the government. It 
-was the unanimous ox^inion of the press that Mexico was the foreign 
nation best and most brilliantly represented at that exposition. 

The next occasion when the Mexican Eepublic made a most cred- 
itable showing at an international exhibition, was at the one held in 
Paris in 1889. There the whole exhibit was presented in a building 
erected for the purpose, seventy meters long by thirty meters wide, 
and constructed in imitation of the most correct style of Aztec archi- 
tecture. This building- was inaugurated on June 22, 1889, and was con- 
stantly thronged by visitors until the end of the exposition. It was 
the first time that a Mexican exhibit had been seen at an international 
exhibition held in Europe, and therefore the articles presented aroused 
the attention of all visitors. The large number of premiums obtained 
Tay Mexican exhibitors plainly demonstrated that the work of the 
Government in collecting and presenting the exhibit was properly 
appreciated. 

The large and varied display made by Mexico of her natural prod- 
ucts and manufactures at the World's Fair, held in Chicago in 1893, 
now claims our attention. That international exposition, so grand in 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

its conception and execution, aroused a friendly rivalry among all 
nations, and every one of them endeavored to be seen at its best neai- 
the shores of Lake Michig-an. Mexico there appeared, showing her vast 
resources and possibilities, and although it did not have a building of 
its own. her exhibits could be seen in the following buildings: Agri- 
cultural. Fisheries, Manufactures and Liberal Arts, Leather, Mines, 
Ethnology, Forestry, Woman's, Machinery, Transportation, Horticul- 
ture and Viticulture, and Fine Arts. In all a full and complete ex- 
hibit was made, and therefore it was nothing but just that the Mexi- 
can exhibitors should obtain, as they did, a very large number of 
premiums. 

After the World's Fair, Mexico has taken part at expositions 
held at Atlanta, Nashville, Omaha, and San Antonio, Texas, where in 
a more limited scale than in the larger and more important exposi- 
tions, her exhibits have been creditable and well deserving of praise. 

The participation of Mexico in the International Exposition, re- 
cently held at Paris in 1900, deserved the praises of all. The elegant 
building which the Mexican government erected at the capital of 
France was full of products and manufactures tastefully arranged, 
and which showed the state of advancement of the country and its 
great elements of wealth. At that exposition, Mexico obtained thirty- 
three grand premiums, one hundred and fourteen gold medals, two 
hundred and forty-two silver medals, three hundred and forty-two- 
bronze medals, and three hundred and fifty-seven honoray mentions. 
These satisfactory results fully and justly compensated for the pains- 
taking efforts of the able commissioners who had charge of the ex- 
hibits and for the expenses incurred and well directed measures taken, 
by the Department of Public Promotion of Mexico on that behalf. 



io8 



XV 

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition 

Mexico could do not less than take an important part in an ex- 
position, such as is the Pan-American at Buffalo, wherein all the 
oountries of America are invited to show the state of advancement of 
this Continent at the beginning of the twentieth, century. As soon 
as the Grovernment was officially invited to participate in the exhibi- 
tion, the former Secretary of Public Promotion, Senor Manuel Fer- 
nandez Leal, issued the necessary orders for the collection and prepa- 
ration of the exhibits to be sent to Buifalo. President Porfirio Diaz, 
not only determined that the Mexican department should be in keep- 
ing with the importance of the exposition, but in order to show 
the interest he took therein, he determined that a military band and a 
military contingent should also take part at the opening of the ex- 
position, and remain for some time thereafter at Buffalo. His resolu- 
tion in that regard was cheerfully seconded by the efficient Secretary 
of War, General Bernardo Eeyes; and thus it was that for about a 
period of two months the First Artillery Band, under the leadership 
of Captain Ricardo Pacheco, and a military contingent of the Mexican 
Army under the commend of Captain Samuel Garcia Ouellar took 
part in the festivities and exercises held on various occasions at the 
Pan-American Exposition. 

But let us state events in the order in which they happened. Soon 
after the new Secretary of Public Promotion, Senor Leandro Fernan- 
dez, entered into the performance of the duties of his office, he sent 
to Buffalo, Mr. Albino E. Nuncio, Chief of the Second Bureau of the 
Department, in order to receive the spaces that had been set apart 
for the exhibits of Mexico in the leading exposition buildings. Upon 
the report made by Mr. Nuncio and it being apparent that sufficient 
space was not granted to Mexico for her mineral exhibit, it was deter- 
mined that a building should be erected on the exposition grounds, 
to contain the mining exhibit and serve as an office to the Mexican 
Commission. Afterwards, it was decided that the display of Liberal, 
Graphic, and Fine Arts, shoiilil ;ilso be placed in said building. 

The Commission appointed by the Mexican government to repre- 
sent it at the Pan-American Exposition was constituted as follows: 

Albino R. Nuncio, Mechanical Engineer, Chief of the Commission. 

Maximiliano M. Chabert, Secretary of the Commission and Chief 
of Divisions XIV, XV, and XVIII. 

Lauro Viadas, Agronomical Engineer, Chief of Divisions I, III, 
and IV. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

Jesus M. Nuncio, Chief of Pomology and Viticulture, Division V. 

Alberto McDowell, Chief of Floriculture, Division VI. 

Juan de D. Fleury, Mining Eng-ineer, Chief of Divisions VIII and X. 

Carlos Sellerier, Mining- Engineer, Chief of Divisions XI and XIII. 

Enrique H. Garibay, Chief of Division VI. 

Eosendo Sandoval, Assayer, Chief of Division XVI. 

Antonio M. Maya, Second Chief of Division XVI. 

Later on, the Department of War sent an honorary commission to 
the exposition, headed by Mr. Enrique Mondragon, Lieutenant Colonel 
of the Engineers' Corps of the Mexican Army, and he was assigned 
as Honorary Chief of Division XII. 

Owing- to strikes, the inclemency of the weather and other cir- 
cumstances, delays occurred which prevented the full installation of 
exhibits in all the leading- buildings of the exposition, and likewise 
in the opening of the pavillions erected by the foreign nations and 
states of the American Union. However, Mexico was one of the first 
countries to have her installations ready and to open her official build- 
ing". The formal dedication took place on June 14, 1901, in the presence 
of the Secretary of State, Hon. John Hay, the Mexican Ambassador, 
Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, the Lieutenant General of the Army of the 
United States, Nelson A. Miles, the President of the Exposition, Hon. 
John G. Milburn, the Director-General of the Exposition, Hon. William 
I. Buchanan, the chiefs of the foreign and state commissions and 
other prominent persons; the ceremonies of inauguration likewise 
consisting of a review of the Mexican troops sojourning at the ex- 
position, and of a banquet given by the commission in honor of the 
^lexican Ambassador. Full detail of these ceremonies, as well as 
of the Mexican exhibits, may be found in the various articles pub- 
lished on the subject bj' the leading- newspapers of this country, whose 
kind and well-written notices have done so much to make known and 
popularize the exhibits of the Mexican Kepublic. Some of said notices 
are reproduced in the appendix herein. 

The display- made by Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition is 
as follows: 

In the ^Mexican Building, 60x40 feet, two stories high, Mining, 
Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, and Graphic Arts. 

In the Agricultural Building, Mexico occupies about 2000 square 
feet. 

In the Forestry Building, about 1,000 square feet. 

In the Horticulture Building, and outside in the garden, about 
6,000 square feet. 

In the Manufactures Building, it has about 3,000 square feet. 

In the Ethnology Building, it occupies about 2,000 square feet. 

The number of Mexican exhibitors is as follows: 

Division I. Agricultural and Dairy Products. 137. 

Division III. Live Stock. 2. 




i«*S- 1^ '■ 





x^Ml 



Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition 

Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. 135. 

Division V. Horticulture, Pomology, Floriculture, and Yiticui- 
ture. 88. 

Division VI. ForestrJ^ 59. 

Division VIII. Mines and Metallurgy. 119. 

Division X. Electricity and Electric Appliances. 9. 

Division XI. Transportation. 5. 

Division XII. Ordnance and Munitions of War. 3. 

Division XIII. Manufactures. 144. 

Division XIV. Graphic Arts. 10. 

Division XV. Liberal Arts. 109. 

Division XVI. Ethnology. 11. 

Division XVII. Fine Arts. 10. 
About the 22nd of July, 1901, the juries v^^hich were to give the 
awards were duly appointed and began their labors. The Chief of the 
Commission, Mr. Albino E. Xuncio, thereupon became a member of 
the Superior Jury. In the juries that actually examined and passed 
upon the merits of all the exhibits, Mexico was represented by the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: 

Division I. Agriculture. Mr. Jose F. Godoy, First Secretary of 
the Mexican Embassy at Washing-ton. 

Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. Mr. Lauro Viadas, 
Chief of the Mexican Section of Agriculture. 

Division V. Viticulture. Mr. Jesus M. Xuncio, Chief of the Mexi- 
can Section of Pomology and Viticulture. 

Division VI. Forestry. Mr. Eosendo Sandoval, Chief of the Mexi- 
can Section of Ethnology. 

Division VIII. Mines and Metallurgy. Mr. Juan de D. Fleury, 
Chief of the Mexican Section of Mines and Metallurgj-. 

Division XII. Ordnance and Munitions. Captain Victor Hernan- 
dez, of the Mexican Army. 

Division XIII. Manufactures. Mr. Carlos Sellerier, Chief of the 
Mexican Section of Manufactures. 

Division XV. Liberal Arts. Mr. Maximiliano M. Chabert, Chief 
of the Mexican Section of Liberal Arts. 

Group 125, Class 115, Division XV. Photog-raphs. Mr. Antonio M, 
Zslaya, Second Chief of Division XVI. 

Division XVI. Ethnology. Mr. Enriqiie H. Garibay, Chief of the 
Mexican Section of Forestry. 

Although, officially, no information has been given as to the num- 
ber of medals and honorary mentions that Mexican exhibitors have 
xeceived, it is gratifying to know that about sixty per cent of such 
exhibitors have been given awards. 

Finally, we may say, that the Mexican Commission, besides per- 
forming the labors of installation and proper presentation of the ex- 
hibits, has been giving, and will continue to give, to the public all the 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

information at its coiiniiaiid i-ei;ar(lini;- such exliibits and the resources 
of the ^Mexican Ivepublit'. aiul to obtain tliat end, has distributed 
periodical publications relative to JSIexico, and has issued in pamphlet 
form, translations of various important laws, a full and complete cata- 
logue of all said exhibits and now publishes this illustrated pamphlet 
in the hope that the information it contains may prove of some value 
to the visitors of the Mexican sections at the Pen-American Exposi- 
tion. 



Appendix 



lexican Commissioners at the Pan-American Exposition 
(as published by the Committee on State and Foreign 
Relations, Aug:tist, J90I) 

Senor Don Albino E. Nnncio, Chief of the Commission. 

Senor Don Maximiliano M. Chabert, Secretary of the Commission. 

Senor Don Jose F. Godoy, Commissioner "ad honorem." 

Senor Don Nicolas Veloz, Jr., Clerk. 

Agricultttre 

Senor Don Lauro Viadas, Chief. 

Senor Don Valente Alvarez del Castillo, Assistant. 

Senor Don Luis Eosas, Assistant. 

Horticoltwre 

Senor Don Jesus M. Nuncio, Chief. 
Senor Don Benito Navarro, Assistant. 

Forestry 

Senor Don Enrique H. Garibay, Chief. 
Senor Don Jose P. Godoy, Jr., Assistant. 

Mines 

Senor Don Juan D. Fleury, Chief. 
Senor Don Luis I. Fleury, Assistant. 
Senor Don Julio Viderique, Assistant. 

Manufactures 

Senor Don Carlos Sellerier, Chief. 

Senor Don ]Manuel Costa, Assistant. 

Senor Don Edwin Charles Georger, Assistant. 

Graphic Arts, Liberal Arts, and Fine Arts 

Senor Don ^Maximiliano M. Chabert, Chief. 
Senor Don Jacinto Aiorales, Assistant. 
Senor Don Amando Gomez, Assistant. 
Senor Don Francisco A. Godoy, Assistant. 

Ethnology 

Senor Don Eosendo Sandoval, Chief, 
Senor Don Antonio Maya, Second Chief. 
Senor Don Saulo Navarro, Assistant. 
Senor Don Alberto L. Godoy, Assistant. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

Women Managfers 

Senora Laura Smith de Mariscal. Honorary Member of the Board 
of Women Managers. 

Senora Maria Callas de Linmantour, Honorary Member of tha 
Board of Women Manag-ers. 

Mexican Army Representatives 
Technical Commission 
Lieutenant Colonel Don Enrique Mondragon. 
Captain Victor Hernandez. 



Comments of the Press 

From 'Brooklyn Eagle-Times, 'June 14, 1901 
At the dedication of the Mexican building on the Pan-Americau 
grounds yesterday, Hon. Manuel de Az^jiroz, Ambassador from Mexico 
to the United States, said: "Althoug-h the world at large does not 
look upon the Pan-American Exposition as an international fair, it is 
to us of the three Americas more than an international exposition. 
It is a gathering of brother countries, where each is trying to do all 
the good that it can for itself incidentally, but really for the entire 
western hemisphere." 

The spirit o'f the Pan-American has not been better expressed by 
anyone since the idea of the fair was conceived. It is especially ap- 
propriate that this sentiment should come from the representative of 
Mexico, which has co-operated so heartily in making the exposition a 
success. All of the nations on this hemisphere are being brought in- 
to closer contact than they ever have been before. We of the United 
States are learning daily more respect for the people and institutions 
of neighboring states and they, it is hoped, are gaining more confi- 
dence in and admiration for us. A common discovery of one an- 
other's good qualities is going on. And there is no nation which has 
risen to the occasion better than Mexico. This was to have been ex- 
pected in view of the progressive character of the Mexican Govern- 
ment. We of the United "States like to think of our own advance- 
ment since the close of the Civil War, but when Mexico, which Juarez 
started to rebuild after the downfall of Maximilian, is compared with 
the Mexico of today, the progress of the LTnited States seems slow be- 
side that of our southern neighbor. The building of a nation has 
been laid deep to make it a great nation. 

The commercial relations of Mexico and the United States are al- 
ready very close; fifty per cent of Mexico's imports are from this 
country and seventy per cent of her exports come here. Mexico is 
our best customer on this hemisphere after Canada, and the trade 
figures approach very close to those with the Dominion. This com- 
merce has been increasing rapidly and it will continue to grow by 
leaps and bounds as a result of the better acquain'tance and increased 
knowledge of the wants and resources of the two countries which 
their representatives are gaining by means of this exposition. 



ix — Comments of the Press 

From Buffalo Times. June 14, 190 1 

Our honored sister republic, Mexico, held the stage at the exposi- 
tion yesterdaj' with the dignity that is a heritage with the people of 
Spanish blood and training, and with a pride born of the conscious- 
ness of a part well-played and enthusiastically applauded. 

The central figures in the ceremonies attending the formal dedi- 
cation of the fitting structure Mexico has erected in the center of the 
colony of foreign and state buildings were Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, 
the Mexican Ambassador, Senor Albino E. Nuncio, Chief of the Mexi- 
can Commission, and his colleagues, together with Capt. Ciiellar and 
his gallant associates representing' the Mexican army. The exchajig'e 
of courtesies and the expression of reciprocal appreciation by the 
gentlemen from Mexico on the one hand, and the Hon. John Hay, Sec- 
retary of State, President Milburn and Director-General Buchanan on 
the other, gaA-e great pleasure to the large party enjoying* the hos- 
pitalities of the occasion. The key-note of what His Excellency, the 
Mexican Ambassador, happily styles the "Gathering- of brother coun- 
tries" was 'the hope earnestlj^ expressed by all speakers that the ex- 
position would fulfill its true mission in making all the nations and 
peoples of the Western Hemisphere better known to each other, soci 
ally, politically and commercially. "jNTever has there been an exposi- 
tion which Avas born as the result of such an idea," said President 
Milburn. "It is a good one!" We have not known each other as Ave 
should." 

After the popular demonstrations of yesterday in honor of the 
Mexican visitors there can be no question about the immense suc- 
cess of the Mexican contribution to the Pan-American Exposition and 
of the hiffh esteem in which President Diaz is held by the American 
people. We hope many Mexicans will think it worth while to visit +he 
exjjosition this summer. They Avill find only friends here. 



From. Buffalo Courier, June 15, 1901 

The dedication of the Mexican Building at the exposition, Avhicli 
took place yesterday morning, was made a notable ceremony by the 
prominence of the participants. The neighboring Eepublic of Mexico 
was not only represented by its ofiicial commissioners to the Pan- 
American, but bjr the Mexican Ambassador at Washington, Don Manuel 
Azpiroz, a veteran Mexican statesman; by Jose F. Godoy, First Secre- 
tary' of Legation, and by several army officers, beside the Mexican 
soldiery and the excellent military band. The Ambassador made a 
happy address in Spanish, which was responded to felicitously by 
Secretary John Hay. It Avas a pleasant chance that brought the Secre- 
tary of State to the exposition at the time of the dedication of this 
building, and our southern friends will undoubtedlj^ be gratified by 
the attendance of the commanding general of our army. Mexico has 
taken more complete advantage of the opportunities offered by the 
Pan-American than any other country except our oavu. Mexican ex- 
hibits Avill be found in nearly every building, all of a high order of 
excellence and all attractively arranged. While President Diaz is not 
likely to attend, because of advancing age and ill health, he has shoAvn 
his appreciation of the objects of the exposition in many Avays. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 



From Buffalo Express, June 15, 1901 

A dig-nity and fine courtesj' marked the ceremonies of the opening 
of .Mexico's building- at the exposition at 11 o'clocl^ yesterday morn- 
ing'. The building- is in the center of the group of foreigTi buildings 
east of the Triumphal Causeway' and south of the Government Build- 
ing. It is an attractive building- tastefully decorated, with its exhibits 
arranged to excellent advantage. President Milburn, Secretary of 
State Hay, the Mexican Ambassador, Director-General Buchanan, and 
^.Tayor Diehl spoke, Senor Nuncio presiding. A banquet and a review 
of the Mexican troops followed. 

The entire Mexican contigent met the Ambassador and escorted 
him into the g-rounds. Color bearers rode ahead bearing- the flags of 
the United States and Mexico. Then came a trumpeter and then Capt. 
Cuellar mounted on a prancing- horse. Next came Capt. Eicardo 
T'acheco and his Eurales. It was a gorgeovis, picturesque procession. 
The Mexican Commission escorted the Mexican Ambassador. All 
wore high hats and frock suits. At the entrance to the building they 
met President Milburn, Treasurer Williams, Chairman Scatcherd, and 
the other guests of honor and all entered together, two by two. 

The specially invited gnests were Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, Am- 
bassador to the United States from Mexico; John Hay, Secretary of 
State; Gen. Nelson A. ]Miles, U. S. A.; Jose F. Godoj^, First Secretary 
to the Mexican Embassy; President John G. Milburn of the Pan- 
American Exposition Comjiany; Director-General Buchanan, John N. 
Scatcherd, Secretary Fleming, and Mayor Diehl. They were received 
by the members of the National Commission from the United States 
of Mexico to the Pan-American, as follows: Senor Albino E. Nuncio, 
chief of commission; Maximiliano M. Chabert, secretary to the com- 
mission; Lauro Viadas, chief of agricultural departiuent; Alberto Mc- 
Dowell, chief of the floriculture section; Enrique H. Garibay, chief of 
forestry department; Juan de D. Fleury, chief of the manufactures 
departments; ^laximiliano M. Chabert, chief of the various arts; Eo- 
sen<lo Sandoval, chief of the dejiartnient of ethnolog-y, and the 
following-named army officers; Lieut. Senor Teniente E^nrique, Capt. 
Victor Hernandez, and Senor Teniente F. Narvaez. 

Pacheco's band played during- the ceremonies. The concert was 
one of the finest heard on the grounds and was a triumph for the 
great Mexican bandmaster. The guests of honor ascended to the 
broad landing on the stairway in the building. The main floor was 
filled with disting-uished persons, including- the commissioners from 
all countries on the Western Hemisphere. Herbert P. Bissell, Col. W. 
H. Michael. J. N. Adam. F. Almy and many others were present. 
Senor Nuncio spoke first. 

"It gives us ])]easure Ihat you Inive accepted this invitation," he 
said. "We tender you a cordial welcome." 

Briefly and eloquently, he referred to a task w'ell done, and 
felicitated the exposition officials on the successful opening- of the 
exposition. He thanked them for many helpful acts, thanked the 
people for coming to the dedication ceremonies, told them they were 
always welcome, and invited the representatives of the foreign gov- 
ernments to make their homes in the ^lexican Building-, which, though 
small, is large enough to hold a great deal of hospitality. Then he 
spoke in Spanish receiving- g-reat a]i])lause for his g-raceful utterances 
to the memljers of the ^Fexican Commission. He introduced the Mexi- 
can Ambassador, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, gray-haired, graj'- 
mustached, soft-voiced. 



Appendix — Comments of the Press 

The Ambassador spoke in Spanish and was interrnpted repeatedlj^ 
by applai:se. He turned to the history of the world's progress and 
eloquently, concisely, graphically, traced it to the present. New ideas 
in old times were conpled with relig'ion, he said. Every new thought 
was conceived in the church, as in the days of the present time every 
long stride in progress is coupled with the exposition. The ambassa- 
dor traced the history of the various great expositions. 

"Although the world at large," he said, "does not look upon the 
Pan-American Exposition as an international fair, it is to us of the 
three Americas more than an international exposition. It is a g-ath- 
ering of brother countries, where each is trying to do all the good 
that" it can for itself incidentally, but really for the entire Western 
Heinisphere. 

He referred to the great help that the Pan-American officials had 
given to the Mexican Commission and enlarg-ed on the hope that the 
exposition would result not only in bringing the countries of all 
America closer together, but also would aid in developing trade re- 
lations among them. He paid a graceful tribute to President Milburn 
and to Secretary Hay. One paragraph near the close of his speech 
was a beautiful expression of sentiment of peace, friendship, and 
affection between the United States and Mexico. He received pro- 
longed applause when he finished. 

^Secretary Hay spoke next, briefly and amid great applause. 

■'My part in this joyful occasion is very simple," said he. "It is 
merely to express to you my very great pleasure at being here, to 
extend my congratulations to the Mexican Ambassador, who has done 
so much during his stay in this coui-itry to make pleasant the rela- 
tions between this country and Mexico, and to express the hope that 
this occasion and the entire Pan-American Exposition may not only 
extend our social relations, but may broaden our commercial inter- 
course, which I know will be greatly to the advantage of both re- 
publics." 

President Milburn was introduced next and he made a charac- 
teristically graceful speech. He said: 

"It is occasions like this which g'ive the g-reatest satisfaction to 
those who are officialh^ connected with the exposition. The exposi- 
tion originated in a great idea and that was to make all the nations 
and peoples of the Western Hemisphere better known to each other, 
socially, politically, and commercially. Never has there been an 
exposition which was born as the result of such an idea. It is a g-ood 
one. We have not known each other as we should. This exposition 
will have reached its greatest result if it succeeds in promoting closer 
relations between the countries of the Americas. I ask you, Mr. 
Ambassador, to extend to the President of Mexico the heartfelt thanks 
of the Pan-American Exposition officials for the many kindnesses that 
have been shown us, both by himself, and by his commissioners, 
through his direction." 

In closing, Mr. Milburn said that the exposition is indebted to 
Mexico for its ready acquiescence in the Pan-American idea, and for 
the building- and exhibits it has on the g-rounds, to the commissioners 
for the hearty way in which they joined with the officials, and to the 
ambassador for his trip to Buffalo, both now and two years ago in 
the interests of the idea which had fostered the exposition. 

Director-General Bnchanan then spoke, briefly: 

"It is certainly unnecessary," said he, "for me to say that so far 
as the executi%e officials of the exposition are concerned, we are all 
gratifled at being here and at the efforts that Mexico has so success- 
fully made for the accomplishment of this great purpose. I ask you. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

Mr. Ambassador, to extend the heartfelt thanks of the Pan-American 
Exposition officials for the many kindnesses they have shown to us, 
both by himself and by his commissioners, throug-h his direction." 

Senor Xuncio then introduced Mayor Diehl. 

"On behalf of the City of Buffalo," said the Mayor, "I heartily 
cong-ratulate j^ou. The City of Buffalo appreciates what you have 
done. You were the first country to come into line for the exposition. 
You are to be congratulated, too, on your beautiful building-." 

A luncheon followed. It was informal and enjoyed by all. Every 
woman present during the day received a bunch of carnations. The 
Mexicans v.'ere the embodiment of courtesy and cordiality to all. The 
great crowd remarked it and was pleased. 

At 1 o'clock the ambassador and his party reviewed the Mexican 
troops on the Esplanade. A big crowd applauded the parade. The 
Mexicans made a fine showing. Their gay colors, the picturesque 
yellow charror uniforms and big sombreros of the Eurales, the pranc- 
ing, bounding mustangs, the splendid band, all receiving great ap- 
plause. The ambassador naturally was proud of the ovation given 
his countrymen. To the joj^ of the thousands the troops paraded 
around the Promenade to the Plaza. Everywhere they were cheered. 
A tremendous burst of enthusiasm g'reeted them when they saluted 
the American flag". The crowd cheered again and again. It was one 
of the foremost ovations of the expositions, given with a heartiness 
and sincerity that betoken the warm friendship existing in this coun- 
try for Mexico and appreciation of the courtesies of President Diaz 
to the American people at the exposition. 

There will be a banquet in the Stadium tonight, which may be 
considered a part of the dedication celebration. 



From Buffalo hvening cNf^vs, June 16, 1901 

The final event in connection with the opening of the Mexican 
Building' at the Pan-American took place last night at 8 o'clock when 
an elaborate dinner was given in the Stadium restaurant in honor of 
the Mexican minister, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz. Over 150 guests sat 
down with the minister at tables beautifully decorated with floral 
designs, sug'gestive of the Central American republic. 

Bunting of all Latin-Amei-ican republics were swung generously 
from the walls and pillars of the dining room. The Mexican artillery 
band stationed behind the head table played appropriate selections. 
An orchestra of string instruments, all ^lexican performers, a menu 
of unmistakable Mexican design, and many Mexican suggestions on 
the bill of fare, heightened the effect. 

The tables were arranged in the conventional fashion, three long- 
tables running from a head table at which sat the minister and the 
chief of the Mexican Commission, Senor Albino E. Nuncio, under 
whose direction the building and installation of the Mexican exhibit 
were accoiuplished. The director-general of the exposition and the 
distinguished niembers of the exposition board were at the table also 
and seated aroimd the board were the heads of the departments of the 
exposition and many prominent exhibitors. The employes of the 
Mexican Commission were provided for also, many of them occupying" 
$eats at the table, and after the dinner the band and all the Mexican 
soldiery now quartered in the Stadium had a jollification and a dinner 
which they will not soon forget. 



Appendix — Comments of the Press 

The list of guests at the banquet is as follows: 

Senor Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, Mexican Ambassador; Senor Al- 
bino R. Nuncio, chief of Mexican Commission; Senor Lauro Viadas, 
commissioner for division of agriculture; Senor Carlos Sellerier, com- 
missioner for division of manufactures; Senor Eosendo Sandoval, com- 
missioner for division of ethnology; Senor Jesiis M. Nuncio, coramis- 
sioner for division of horticulture; Senor Alberto McDowell, commis- 
sioner for division of floriculture; Senor Enrique H. Garibaj^, 
commissioner for division of forestry; Senor Juan de D. Fleury, 
commissioner for division of mines; Senor Maximiliano M. Chabert, 
commissioner for division of fine arts; Senor Valente Alvarez del 
Castillo, Senor M. Eosas, Senor Mani;el Costa, Senor E. Georger, Senor 
Benito Navarro, Senor Luis J. Fleury, Senor Jacinto Morales, Senor 
Amado Gomez, Senor Nicolas Veloz, assistants; Senor Antonio Maya, 
second commissioner for ethnology; Senor Julio Viderique, asisistant: 
Senor Teniente F. Narvaez, Senor Capt. Samuel Garcia Cuellar, Senor 
Capt. J. M. Tello, Senor Capt. Inocencio Martin, Senor Lie, Jose F. 
Godoy, First Secretary of the Mexican Embassy; Senor Antonio Eivera 
de la Torre, reporter for Ed Imparcial, City of Mexico. 

Senor I. D. Montesinos, reporter for El Universal, City of Mexico; 
Senor Abelardo Quiroga, Senor Jorge Nelken y Waldberg-, Senor M. 
Hadida, Senor Enrique Budge, Chile; Senor Ernesto Tomas, Chile; 
Senor Elliott Eourge, Chile; Senor Julio Perez Canto, Chile; Senor 
Enrique Lanz, Chile; Senor Guillermo Fredumberg, Chile; Senor Car- 
los Silva Cruz, Chile; Senor Teodoro Schneider, Chile; Senor Gen. 
Nicanor Bolet Peraza, Honduras; Senor Francisco Altshul, Senor Er- 
nesto Shernikow, El Salvador; Senor Georg-e W. Fishbach, Porto Eico; 
Senor Floreciel A. Eojas, Dominican Eepublic; Senor Charles Garcia 
Cross, Chile. 

Aiuong the American guests were Mayor Conrad Diehl, Director- 
General W. I. Buchanan, John N. Scatcherd, Charles E. Huntley, Edwin 
Fleming, Herbert P. Bissell, Dr. D. E. Day, T. Guilford Smith, Frederic 
W. Taylor, Harry Hamlin, H. Montgomery Gerrans, Georg-e Bleisteiii, 
Dr. A. L. Benedict, George W. Ames, Frank A. Converse, Algar M. 
Wheeler, Francis Almv, Maj. T. W. Svmons, Col. William H. Michaels. 
Mark Bennitt, Col. John B. Weber, R. E. Hefford, Lieut. Godfrey L. 
Garden, Henry Wendt, Hal. W. Smith, William C. Cornwell, H. D. 
Follinsbee, S. W. Mason, E. E. Rice. G. B. Eich, Wallace H. Hill, Bar- 
clay Chadwick, Julius N. Gregor, W. V. Cox, J. B. Brownlee, J. H. 
Brigham, and George P. Mason. 

At the close of the banquet Senor Nuncio introduced Senor Ber- 
mudez, who spoke in Spanish and whose remarks were vigorously 
applauded. Director-General Buchanan translated the speech and dis- 
closed that it breathed patriotism and good fellowship between the 
United States and Mexico. Ambassador Azpiroz spoke in the same 
strain. John N. Steatcherd followed with a tribute to Mexico, and 
Senor A. Eivera de la Torre eulogized the United States and Mexico. 



From §^. Y. Tribune, June 16, 1901 

This evening in the Stadium restaurant the Mexican Commis- 
sioners gave a banquet in honor of Ambassador Manuel de Azpiroz. 
and also in celebration of the opening of the Mexican Building. The 
occasion will be recalled with pleasure by those v\'ho attended, because 
of its interest and brilliancy. A special train conveyed the guests from 
the Terrace station in the business part of the city. 



A Few Facts About Mexico- 

The speechniaking- began at S:30 o'clock, and tlie exercises were 
not over until neaj'ly midnight. Tlie occasion was one to cement the 
bonds of friendship between North American and South American 
business and public men, and was in line with the ambition of the 
promoters of the exposition to this end. 

All the principal Spanish speaking- visitors were present, and 
expressed themselves as highlj- delig-hted. The general sentiment was 
that a few more events of this nature could not fail to remove any 
slig'ht commercial differences now existing- between the countries of 
the Western Hemisphere. It is said that this line will be followed by 
the exposition officials as often as possible, so that the people of the 
south which lies beyond the Gulf of Mexico may come to know the 
citizens of the north as their brothers in commemrce and pi-ogress 
for this side of the globe. 

When the main building- for Mexico's exhibit was thrown open to 
the public yesterday, in spite of the location being far from the main 
features ofthe exposition, particularly the Midway, hundreds of visi- 
tors found their way to it and were repaid by the fine display of 
valuables, curiosities, useful articles, and bric-a-brac of all kinds to be 
seen there. In sijite of the apparently bewildering collection, one fact 
is paramount, and that is that the exhibit is desig-ned to educate, and, 
because it can do this, it is a revelation of the advancement of Mexico 
that is surprising- to the citizens of the United States, who are made 
familiar in this way with a country that is making rapid progress in 
commercial inii>ortance. 

The building- itself is a two-story structure, gayly ornamented and 
beautifully furnished; rich carpets cover the floors, and rare paint- 
ings, manjr at them prize winners at the Paris PZxposition, adorn the 
walls. An idea of the comprehensiveness of the display is gained when 
mention is made that ten thousand specimens of minerals and metals 
alone are on view. Groups illustrating- grajihio, liberal and fine arts 
and mining are arranged in a tasteful manner, and polite attendants 
look after the comforts and demands of the visitors, who are wel- 
comed with true Mexican hospitalitj*. 

The mineral display attracts the eyes of the city dwellers. The 
exhibits of silver ores are unusually fine, and ^he silver particles often 
are so large that the precious metal could be removed by merely 
breaking the ore with a hammer. 

The fanna of the country have not been overlooked, and there 
are mounted specimens of beasts that are rare even in Mexico. One 
specimen holds attention by its lifelike attitude. It is that of a 
^Mexican puma of extraordinary size, and its ferocity must have 
equaled that of a tiger, while its strength could not have been far 
inferior, as its size is almost as great. 

Some of the finest specimens are among the mounted birds, which 
include everything from the little humming- birds to the gaudy jiar- 
roquets. There are many birds of paradise, and their various hiie ex- 
cites even the envy of women who would not wear feathers in their 
hat.«. 

The Mexican P.uilding- does not contain all of Mexico's display, 
inuuense as it is. An entire section in the Manufactures Building is 
devoted to exhibits from that country-, illustrating- its progress in 
The mechanical arts. Saddles, rich and costly, are shown in all of the 
different sha])es; boots, shoes, furniture .and cotton goods are in this 
section, and attract much attention. In the Agricultural Building- 
there is a big display of coffee, tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes of all 
kinds. Care is taken to explain the merits of the different products, 
cost of production, and the advantages the country oft'ers for locating 



Appendix — Commsnts of the Press 

there. Tliei-e also are JNIexican displays in the Horticultural Building 
and the Forestry Building-. The display in the former building at- 
tracts the men from California and Central New York because of the 
excellence of the specimens of wine made in Mexico that are shown. 



From Modern Mexico, September 19, 1901 

Upon crossing- from the north half, or Exhibit Division, of the 
Pan-American Exposition, over the splendid Triumphal Bridge into 
The section devoted to State and Foreign buildings, one of the fore- 
most features to attract the eye is the imposing pavilion of Mexico. 
It represents the central figure of a unique architectural group, whose 
artistic details combine to" form one of the most striking features of 
the magnificent color scheme which has made the Pan-American Ex- 
position so justly famous. 

The group in question comprises five buildings, the arrangement 
and deco'i-ative treatment of which call to mind the exquisite details 
of a variegated Mexican begonia. One of the petals of this gorgeous 
architectural flower is the quaint. Pagoda-like pavilion of the Do- 
minican Eepubllc, with its carving, rose-tinted roof spreading gen- 
erously above its cream and azure walls; another, is the superb 
rubescent edifice of Chile, its ornamental steel sides ablaze; again, in 
perfect harmony, both as to angle and color effect stretches away the 
stately and commodious mansion reared by the New England States 
resplendent in natural brick effects and immaculate Colonial trim- 
mings. Finally, to complete the symmetincal and eminently cosmopoli- 
tan ^setting, there is interested the inviting Queen Anne structure of 
the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which, with gorgeously hued ban- 
nei-s floating above an artistically treated exterior, stands as a herald 
of the next great World's Fair, at St. Louis, in 1903. And from the 
heart of this'^cosmical creation towers the majestic Moorish Palace of 
the Mexican Eepublic, its green and gray castellations constituting a 
fitting central feature of so novel a configuration. 

Viewed from the broad avenue on which it fronts, the Mexican 
pavilion present's the form of a perfect quadrangle the main structure 
being two stories in height, while at each of the four corners orna- 
mental towers capped by banner staffs arise. In the rear of the buikl- 
ino- for its entire height is a semicircular well containing the stair- 
ways of the structure, above which is a gracefully fashioned dome. 
The windows throughout the entire structure are of a highly orna- 
mental character, and are further set off by costly moresque panels. 
Extending for a considerable distance across the main facade, at the 
height of the second story, is an inviting balcony enclosed by an 
ornate triple archwav and^ carved balustrade. Immediately beneath 
this is the principal entrance to the building, enclosed by an engaged 
colonnade on the entablature of which, in carved letters, is the name 
"Mexico," and above it the emblem of the Eepnblic, a sculptured eagle 
perched on a cactus branch and holding a serpent in its beak and 
talons. 

When President Diaz, on behalf of his Government, accepted the 
invitation to participate in the Pan-American Exposition, he_ chose 
as his Commissioner-General for the occasion, a man who, by his past 
achievements in kindred lines of work, had proved himself, more than 
any other citizen of the Republic, pre-eminently fitted for the duty. 
That distinguished personage was Senor Don Albino R. Nuncio, one 



A Few Facts Abottt Mexico 

oi the most progressive and widely known exponents of expositions 
on this continent. The wisdom of President Diaz's choice in this con- 
nection is today manifested in the fact that Mexico has by far the 
largest and most creditable exhibit of all the foreign countries rep- 
resented at the Pan-American Exposition. And when the truly supei I' 
exhibits of many of her sister nations are considered, such pre- 
eminence is indeed significant. 

Even before the main building is entered, one of the principal 
resources of the Republic is brought to notice by the large pyramid:- 
of silver and coj)per ore and virgin coal specimens which guard the 
approach on either hand. Immediately within the entrance and oc- 
cupying nearly the entire lower floor is the mining exhibit, superin- 
tended by Senor Don Juan D. Eleury. This displaj^ is remarkable for 
its richness and variety, the specimens on exhibition representing 
every species of the finer and baser metals and ores known to the 
mineral kingdom. Nearly every State in the Republic has contributed 
something- to this interesting department, some of the most notable 
specimens being copper from the vast deposits in Baja California, gold 
from the famed ledges of Sonora, silver from the historic lodes of 
Zacatecas and onyx from the rich quarries of Puebla. In addition to 
the mining exhibits, a number of highly ingenious scientific instru- 
ments are shown on the first floor. The most interesting of these is 
the Mexican seismogTaph, a curious triangular-shaped ajjparatus em- 
ploj^ed as an indicator of the seismic motions in cases of earthquake. 

A commendable detail in the interior arrangement of the main 
building is the clever manner in which space has been economized. 
Every inch of both wall and floor space has been utilized for ex- 
hibition purposes in one form or another. For example, the master 
pieces in sculptured marble and on cleverly wrought canvases, rep- 
resenting the Fine Arts, and the superb specimens in photography 
and kindred lines comprising the Liberal Arts are strikingly ar- 
ranged on the large expanse of wall flanking the double stairwaj's. 
jNlany hours may be spent in pleasant and profitable contemplation of 
these truly exquisite art productions of Mexico. The upper floors of 
the building are most tastefully appointed, both with respect to furni- 
ture and decorations, this portion of the structure being devoted 
largelj'' to reception purposes. But even here some beautiful displays 
have been made, notably that of the natural historj' specimens which 
are made to serve the double purpose of adorning the apartment and 
showing, through the taxidermist's skill, the products of the country 
in this particular line. Opening from the upper floor at one side of the 
reception hall is the private office of Commissioner-General Xuncio, 
and on the opposite side that of his secretarj', Senor Don ^Maximiliano 
M. Chabert. 

The various other departments comprising the Mexican section 
are distributed throug-hout the various exhibit buildings of the Ex- 
position. One of the most interesting and instructive of these is the 
ethnological display, which has been collected from all over the Re- 
public and appropriately installed by Senor Don Rosendo Sandoval, a 
scholar of rare attainments in this scientific field. Jij his w'onderful 
collection of antiquities and ancient literature, Senor Sandoval has 
succeeded in showing both comprehensively and entertainingly the 
evolution of the Mexican race down to the present age. 

In her Forestry Exhibit, conducted by Senor Don Enrique H. 
Garibay, Mexico has revealed in herself a marvelous wealth of re- 
source. In all there are some 350 different species of woods displayed, 
of /which no more than seven would be considered as common varie- 
ties. And not only are these valuable timber woods shown, but like- 



Appendix — Comments of the Press 

wise various products of the forest, sucli as rubber, cliewing-gum and 
other commodities. 

The Department of Manufactures, presided over by Senor Don 
Carlos Sellerier is absorbingly interesting, in that it shows most in- 
controvertibly the wonderful progress that has been made within 
recent years by Mexican inanufacturers. In this connection there is 
shown a line of rattan fui-niture that for beauty and g'eneral excel- 
lence will bear comparison with the best similar product turned 
out by anjr of the leading factories of the world. In addition to this 
and other varieties of furniture there ai'e displayed an assortment of 
fabrics, cordage, textiles, native silks, shoes and hats that would re- 
flect credit on the resourcefulness of any nation. 

Mexico's agriciiltural exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition is 
universally pronounced as the most creditable feature of the entire 
section. The excellence of the department is in no small measure 
due to the able management of its director, Senor Don Lauro Viadas. 
Among other products there are shown soine 600 varieties of beans, 
while the cereal display throug'hout is proportionately fine. Senor 
Viadas is particularly proud of his coffee and cocoa exhibit, which he 
is justly confident will win the highest lionors awarded bj^ the Ex- 
position juries. In native fruits and wines the Mexicans can boast 
of the most unique display in the entire horticultural section. A list 
of the various products shown in this department and submitted 
by its director, Senor Don Jesus M. Nnncio, a brother of Commis- 
cioner-General Nuncio, embraces upwards of 100 varieties of fruits 
and liquors, among* which are products rarely, if ever, heard of by 
any one outside of Mexico. Among other features of this order are a 
variety of fruits and liquoi's produced by certain species of cactus, 
which product vegetates so abundantly throug-liout Mexico. The 
cactus display at the Pan-American is in itself a feature of marvelous 
int-erest, embracing 125 varieties, ranging- from the little-old-man 
species with its life-like growth of silvery white hair, to the gigantic 
monarch of the desert, which on its native heath frequently attains 
a heig-ht of over sixty feet. This exhibit, tog-ether with the floral dis- 
play, is under the charg-e of Senor Don J. A. McDowell, who by the 
way. is every inch a Mexican, notwithstanding his name. Mexico's 
strong- feature in the floral lists at the Exiiosition is her beg-onia dis- 
plaj'. Of this queenly flower she shows some eighty difl'erent varie- 
ties, while in all she has no less than a thousand of the variegated 
blossoms of this superb collection which is something never to be 
forgotten. JOSE DE OLIVAEES. 

Bufl'alo, N. Y., August 20. 



From Buffalo Courier, August 25, I90i 

President Diaz has evolved his people into a greater nation and 
when the showing- is made of the others, his country has 'come smil- 
ing and gracious, and visitors at tlie Exposition have been left to 
judge for themselves th.e position to which Mexico lias been appointed. 

It w^as not an easy task, this work of preparing an exhibit from 
Mexico. Skilled hands were required to gather from the store of re- 
sources the few specimens which could be brought and the com- 
pleted result must be highlj^ gratifying to its makers. 

One of the secrets of the success of President Diaz lies in his 
power to estimate men and he has come to look about his country and 



A Few Facts Abowt Mexico 

learn which of its citizens are the most advanced so tliat he com- 
mands tlie ser\ ices of tlie best men of ^fexico. 

When tlie Pan-American exhibits was decided, as when there is 
work to do, the President saw to it himself that the most competent 
men in his country shonld be entrnsted with the worlc. The exhibit 
is a marvel of perfection and all the credit is dne to the commissioners 
to the Exposition who made it. 

These commissioners are ali gentlemen, who in their own country 
hold high positions and rank and, with what has today come to be 
known as "the trne ^Sfexican spirit," have left no stone unturned to 
make their display one of the finest and as up-to-date as is everything 
in modern >[exico. 

While the commissioners are limited l)y the trifling- space that is 
at their disjiosal here, they have gatheied together a collection that 
is no less wonderful than interesting, and followed oivt it will give the 
visitors a splendid idea of our neighliors and awaken an interest that 
will lead to further research and with that conies endless topics of 
interest. 

Mexico has a building of its own in the Court of Foreign Build- 
ings and already* it has become one of the most attractive features of 
the Exposition. It is one of the handsomest structures of its kind on 
the g-rounds and furnishes so much of interest and hospitalit}- that it 
is one of the established resting places on the Exposition grounds. 

In the Agricultui-al Building is another massive display, and in 
Horticulture, Manufacturing, Liberal Arts and Ethnology, the exhibits 
are wonderfully attractive and unique. 

From these displays we learn that for three hundred and fifty 
3'ears Mexico has been rich, even if most of that time wealth has been 
the unstable product of mines. No country in the woi-ld has the min- 
ing- history that is woven into old Mexico, and who shall blame it if for 
years in the ])ast her people devoted themselves to reaching- their 
hands into the pockets of the earth's wealth and taking out the riches 
that lay beneath the soil? Everyone familiar with mining countries 
knows the life is kaleidoscopic in its contrasts; that crazy luxury 
moves beside great misery; that few are rich and the many poor; that 
all other standards than wealth are lost; that looseness ever accom- 
panies anjr form of gambling. The life of a mining camp glitters and 
fascinates but it imbues no patriotism, no higher ideals, no nobler 
people. 

The wise mind of President Diaz saw this, while the pages of 
^lexical! history were covered with examples and under his regime 
mines have become a secondary consideration, although conservative 
estimates declare that not ten per cent of the mineral wealth of the 
country has been exploited. 

Fi-om the Exposition display we learn that tlie mines are not 
failing, but that other industries are growing up alongside them 
which furnish more copious returns and more stable offerings than 
ever the pockets of the richest mines. 

"All that glitters is not gold" goes an old saw, and President Diaz 
knew that neither did all that was gold show a glittering surface and 
he saw in the hundreds of other industries for which his country was 
fitted, surface gold that needed but the hands of miners to wash out 
the pure metal and he taught his people to pluck the fruits of plenty 
along these many lines. 

Commerce, growing through new and costly harbors and speeding 
over transcontinental railways; the product of swiftly multiplying 
manufactories; the development of agriculture and other industries 
have come to be safer bonanzas than the mines and are engaging alike 



Appendix — Comments of the Press 

the attention of Mexicans and foreig-ners wlio are flocking to the land 
to invest their capital. 

In the agricultiii-al exhibit we learn that cereals have always been 
a heavy factor in the output of the country and the splendid speci- 
mens there shown tell a story of remarkable interest. Corn has ever 
been one of the chief products of the Western Hemisphere whence 
it was given to the Old World by the Spanish conquest and it is still 
a leader among the agricultural products of Mexico. 

Wheat, according to tradition, was first introduced into this con- 
tinent in Mexico in 1530, and it has developed from that start into its 
present exalted iDOsition among the cereals. In Mexico, its western 
foster mother, it is a vast source of the country's wealth and grows 
especially fine under the benign influence of the climate. Fivefold pro- 
duction is the European return from wheat, while in Mexico it mul- 
tiplies from twenty to one hundredfold. The mean average of produc- 
tiveness in Mexico, according to well-posted \sa-iters, is five times 
that of fertile France. 

Every vegetable of the Temperate Zone we fiud among Mexico's 
offerings" and as we follow on we are led through the products of the 
warmer climates until we come to the rarest specimens of tropical 
growths and then we come to realize the tremendous advantage which 
the country has in the way of agricultural resources. 

Within the broad expanse of her territory she raises every article 
of agriculture, thus providing for her own wants independently of 
the elect of the world. Thus she has but to turn her hand to raising 
those things which are indigenous to her climate and which must be 
purchased by other people. 

Cochineal is a stable source of foreign gold, and coffee has be- 
come one of the greatest revenue producers. 

We, with all our wealth, miist look to other climes and different 
countries for our supply of certain food products, and while we are 
looking, Mexico comes "from over the border waving anything that 
we in ay want and offering to sell. 

Coffee at present is one of the most promising crops that is being- 
raised in Mexico and for several years the output has been doubling. 
Even the United States is now using something like fifty million 
pounds of coffee from the vast fields of Mexico and we, wath our dis- 
criminating tastes, have come to know that Mexican coffee bears com- 
parison with any in the world and that it is already cutting into the 
markets of other i^roducing countries. 

Aeain we see that our neighbor favors us with another of our 
national beverages, for the chocolate industry of Mexico has always 
been a great component part in the output of the country. Today it is 
reaching undreamed heights and' with the increasing demand for so 
staple an article has come the development of the thousands of miles 
of land which is perfectly adapted to raising cocoa. At present no 
great attention is paid to this important crop so that its real great- 
ness lies in the futiire and the same may be said of the vanilla in- 
dustry, which at present is confined almost entirely to Vera Cruz 
and Oxaca. 

From a financial viewpoint, one of the most important crops of 
Mexico, we learn at the Exposition, is tobacco, and that, too, is almost 
a mere infant in arms, awaiting only care and growth to become a 
man in the commerce of the world. 

Tobaocos of the finest quality are raised in Mexico, together with 
medium and lesser types, so that within the scope of her product are 
produced the various plants that lend themselves to the uses of the 
thousands of different tastes that are found among tobacco users. 



A Few Facts About Mexio 



CO 



The rubber industry, which each year is becoming- more im- 
portant as the demand increases and the visible supply decreases is as 
yet m an embryonic state. Now there are less than five plantations of 
over 5,000 trees, but there are millions of acres of land which is 
adapted by nature to the culture of the rubber trees and as the 
product of these lands is becoming- more and more accessible as the 
transportation facilities are developed, the growing of rubber bids 
fair to become an ever g-reater industry in Mexico. 

In fruits, broadly speaking, every variety grows in Mexico, al- 
though, in reality, little fruit has ever been cultivated, instead of 
gro^^^ng naturally. When cultivation is carried to its heights, as is 
now being rapidly done, there is no doubt that for variety, quality and 
quantity Mexico will hold first place as a fruit raising country among 
the nations of the world. 

The precious woods that abound on hillside and forest throughout 
the Avhole country include the rarest varieties and types of lumber, 
while the other forest products are simply astounding' in their variety 
and quantity. 

In several sections already the industry of growing silk is being- 
developed and sufficient headway has been^had to prove that it lacks 
but the efforts of energetic people to make the growing of silk a 
source of great revenue to thousands of people. 

Pace and cane sugar are also two of the world's most famous and 
staple food supplies and in the culture of these commodities, Mexico 
is far advanced, yet doing but a trifle of what her natural endow- 
ments entitle her to do. 

In speaking of Mexico and her agricultural resources, a well- 
known writer, who had spent years investigating his subject, sums up 
the situation in the following- graphic style: "Between the marvelous 
climatic range from tierra caliente to tierra fria, Mexico can f)roduce, 
and commercially, not alone every article that she needs herself but, 
as Humboldt justly observed, 'Every crop known to the civili/ed 
world.' 

"Despite Its latitude, two thirds of its land belongs to the tem- 
perate zone and only one third to the tropics. Setting aside the long- 
est mountains system on earth, its head touches the eternal snows 
while its feet dalDble in seas of everlasting summer." 

But these are only a few things that one learns in viewing the 
display of Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition, nor by any means 
do they tell in detail the mighty resources of the country. 

For everywhere about the Mexican exhibit are revealed other 
stories of other features that go to make up the whole of the country; 
in the one place dealing of horticulture and in the other of manu- 
facturing and mining and liberal arts. 

This wonderful supply of things necessary for the sustenance of 
life which is within her borders has brought the nation to where it 
needs not look to other places for food and giving the people an op- 
portunity to turn their attention to supplying their wants in other 
lines. 

When the financial upheaval of the seventies and earlj^ eighties 
shook almost the entire world, Mexico stood upon the silver basis 
which then was being hurled from its place in every clime. 

Its country was just then coming under the hand of President 
Diaz and everything was chaotic; yet from out of the many troubles 
that shook older nations to their very foundation Mexieo was carried 
through to safety and to a safety that stands peculiarly alone amone- 
the 2-overnments of the world. 



Appendix — Comments of the Press 

TTie 'fall of silver as a money metal cut in two the finances of 
Mexico and when she went forth into other climates to buy produc'ts 
she was oblig'ed to take Iavo dollars to procure one dollar's worth of 
g'ocds. She owed debts then besides all that. Yet, strange as it may 
seem, the result shows that she has made much out of what would 
appear to be ruin. 

Her people, tired pf paying two dollars abroad, took to manufac- 
turing their own commodities and each year has seen new. cotton 
mills;'"ilew machine , shops, new factories, until gTadually Mexico has 
come to make her things rather than to buy them. 

The surplus of her products she has sent to foreign markets, and 
for them she has received two dollars of her own money. She leaves 
her native shores with a cargo valued at a certain price and — presto — 
when it is landed on a foreign shore it has doubled in value. 

True, there were her many foreign debts contracted for at the 
rate of one hundred cents on a dollar, Mexican m^oney, and when she 
came to pay she was compelled to disgorge two Mexican dollars to 
wipe out a dollar of the old debt. 

But gradually she has paid her liabilities and with a rapidity that 
has astounded the whole world has built modern improvements that 
vie with any similar s'tructnres in the whole world. 

Schools have grown into every hamlet, waterworks, sewers, elec- 
tric street cars, public buildings have arisen up in every city and 
througli each year she has become more and more prosperous until 
at the beginning of the century she holds, perhaps, the most con- 
tented people that reside anywhere u]3on the face of the globe. 

These things are difficult to comprehend, and it is more to dis- 
play them that the commissioners from Mexico have sought to devote 
their exhibit. Behind the hundreds of specimens lurk something more 
tlian what the eye see's and the glance reveals. For the exhibit of 
Mexico when taken as a whole depicts nothing so much as progression, 
advancement and enlightenment. 

It speaks of arts that stand distinct from anything- in the world, 
of agriculture that might be well used as an example, of the ultima 
chule of mines and mining, of the rarest flowers and fairest fruits, 
and, best of all, of a people of whom the country may well be proud. 

It is true that there is but one Diaz, but his spirit is no longer 
confined to him. It has pervaded his people and has become the key- 
note of the whole country and to talk with the Mexican representa- 
tives at the EScxDosition and to view their showing is to catch a breath 
of the inspiration. 

Perhaps there isnothing that will so appeal to the popular mind 
when it is turned toward our Southern neighbbor than does the ex- 
hibit of cactus which is made outside the Horticulture Building. We 
have always been wont to view Mexico as merely a bed of "ca'c'ti and 
they have brought the bed to us and transplanted it within 'the con- 
fines of the Eainbow City, where it attracts wide attention in its in- 
finite beauty and variety and makes everyone envious of a country 
where such plants gi'ow. 

In the cacti are breaths of the past and fro-m the tradition and 
mysticism the hand of progression has kept all of the beautiful and 
woven it in with the newer arts and later beauties of the higher plant 
life that is shown in the Borticulture and Agriculture buildings. 

Throughout the whole display two things at once appeal to the 
visitor, and those are the cordial invitation which Mexico holds out to 
home seekers to come and share her plenteous riches and the spirit of 
progression of the country which is leading it on to greater ends. 



A Few Facts About Mexico 

No exhibit at the Exposition is more interesting, attraetive, or 
creditable than that which Senor Albino R. Nuncio and his associate 
conimissionei s have jirepared for the United States of Mexico. 

The exhibit is made under the Department of Promotion of Mex- 
ico, under whose wideawake administration developments are being 
made on every line throughout the country, and to Senor Leandro 
Fernandez, Secretary of Public Promotion, and to ex-Secretary Manuel 
Fernandez J^eal, no end of praise is due for their active and energetic 
efforts in behalf of the representation of Mexico at the Pan-American 
lixnosition. 



130 



Bibliography 



Tlie following- is a partial and rather incomplete list of (princi- 
pally English) books about Mexico: 

Abbott, Gorham D. Mexico and the United States. New York, 
1869. 

Bancroft, H. H. A Poi>ular Historj^ of the Mexican People. 8. 
London. Resources and Development of Mexico. San Francisco, 1894. 

Brocklehurst, T. U. Mexico To-day. London, 1883. 

P.urke, U. E. Life of Benito Juarez. 8. London, 1894. 

Castro, Lorenzo. The Republic of Mexico in 1882. New York, 
1882. 

Charma^^ 1). Ancient Cities of the New World. Tr. 8. London. 

Chevalier, Michel. Le Mexique ancien et moderne. IS. Paris, 

1886. 

Conkling-, Howard. Alexico and the Mexicans. New York, 1883. 
Conkling, A. R. Appleton's Guide to Mexico. New York, 1890. 
Crawford, Cora Haj'ward. The Land of the Montezumas. New 
York, 1889. 

Cubas, Antonio Garcia. Mexico, its Trade, Industries, and Re- 
sources. Mexico, 1893. 

Flint, H. M, Mexico under Maximilian. 12. Philadelphia, 1867. 

G loner. Prosper. Les Finances des Etats Unis Mexicains. Brux- 
elles. 1895. 

Gooch, F. C. Face to Face with the Mexicans. London, 1890. 

Griffin, S. B. Mexico of To-day. New York, 1886. 

Hamilton, Leonidas. Border States of Mexico. Chicag-o, 1882. 

Hamilton, L. L. C. Hamilton's Mexican Handbook. London, 1884. 

Janvier, Thomas A. The Mexican Guide. New York, 1886. 

Kozhevar, E. Report on the Republic of Mexico. London, 1886. 

La Bedolliere, Emile G. de. Histoire de la guerre du Mexique. 4. 
Paris, 1866. 

Lester, C. Edwards. The Mexican Republic. New York, 1878. 

Noll, Arthur Howard. A Short History of Mexico. Chicago, 1890. 

Ober, F. A. T'ravels in Mexico. Boston, TJ. S., 1884. 

Prescott, W. H. History of the Conquest of Mexico. 8. London. 

Ratzel, Fried. Aus Mexico, Reiseskizzen aus den Jahren 1874-' 5. 
Breslau. 1878. 

Rice, John N. Mexico, Our Neighbor. New York. (No date.) 

Romero, Matias. Geographical and Statistical Notes on Mexico. 
New York, 1898. 

Mexico and the United States. New York, 1898. 

Routier, G. Le Mexique de nos Jours. Paris, 1895. 

Schroeder, Seaton. The Fall of Maximilian's Empire as seen from 
a United States Gunboat. New York, 1887. 

Scobel, A. "Die Verkehrsvvege Mexicos und ihre wirtschaftliche 
Bedeutung." In Deutsche Geoigraphische Blaetter. Band X, Heft 1. 
Bremen. 1887. 

Through the Land of the Aztecs; or. Life and Travel in Mexico. 
By a "Gringo." London, 1892. 

Wells, David A. A Study of Mexico. New York, 1887. 



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